Oh, blimey. “Very Good Girls” is one of those films where you think it’ll be all fluff, but it sneaks in a few punches when you’re least expecting it. The plot’s fairly straightforward – two best friends, Lily and Gerry, coming-of-age and all that jazz, but it’s got a sincerity that’s hard to fake. Dakota Fanning and Elizabeth Olsen are both spot-on, capturing that bittersweet vibe of summer when everything’s changing around you.
So first off, the cinematography – lovely, soft, almost like a summer haze. Reminded me of those summers in Småland when the days felt endless. You can almost feel the sticky ice cream running down your hand. Add to that an evocative soundtrack that’s just the right amount of nostalgic.
The dynamic between Lily and Gerry is, let’s just say, relatable. They support each other, but there’s also this undercurrent of tension and competition. And boy, does it get complicated when they fall for the same guy. Classic, right? But the way Naomi Foner spins it, it feels fresh. Maybe it’s because it’s not just about the boy; it’s about their friendship, growing up, and finding out who they are deep down.
I have to admit, parts of the movie felt a bit dragged out. There were moments when I just wanted to shake the screen and tell them to move it along. But maybe that’s just the impatience talking. Sometimes life doesn’t move at breakneck speed, and we forget that. There’s something achingly real about their awkwardness, their quiet moments, their silent battles.
The scene at Coney Island – now that’s something. It’s just so raw and full of emotion. Took me back to visiting Gröna Lund in my teenage years, with all its rollercoasters and cotton candy, where you felt like anything could happen.
You know what struck me the most? The ending isn’t all neatly wrapped up. It leaves you pondering, which I think is rather brave for a film in this genre. Life’s like that. Messy, unresolved, and sometimes you just gotta sit with it.
So yeah, “Very Good Girls” might not be for everyone, but give it a go. You might find a piece of your own youth hidden in their story. Oh, and here’s the trailer if you wanna take a peek:
