Growing up has perhaps never been more difficult than it is today. While, in theory, young people have never had so much opportunity and connectivity, this all comes at a price. The same technological advances that allow myriad possibilities opens up a Pandora’s Box of dangers. Forced to live in the moment, any error of judgement can stay with you for life. Anxiety and depression are rife, driven by a constant reminder of your own inadequacies. Girl Picture follows three teenagers struggling to define their own identity.
Mimmi (Aamu Milonoff) and Rönkkö (Eleonoora Kauhanen) are best friends who work in a foodhall after school. Rönkkö is desperate to experience a sexual relationship, but isn’t sure how to go about it. Mimmi feels alienated from most of her peers, struggling to work out where she fits in now her mother has a new family. When Emma (Linnea Leino), a young talented ice skater, comes into her life, she wrestles with issues of trust and self-worth.
Girl Picture is a vibrant portrait of three young women trying to understand their sexuality and what they want from life. Alli Haapasalo’s does a great job of avoiding the usual pitfalls and chiches of coming-of-age films. The narrative feels fresh and singular, putting her complex characters in familiar situations, but allowing them to forge their own path. Girl Picture is a lively and intelligent drama which tackles a number of issues with a great deal of empathy.
Girl Picture screens at Sundance Film Festival.
