Although there are more than a few currently running major blockbuster franchises that center on young characters, Hollywood has failed to produce as many coming-of-age classics in recent years. There may be the occasional breakout hit likeLady BirdorMoonlight,but there isn’t a regular supply of teen films released on a regular basis like theJohn Hughesera of the 1990s. It may be important to make films for adolescent viewers that give them the opportunity to see themselves on screen, but they can also tell universal stories that connect with audiences of all ages.Diary of a Teenage Girlis one of the most uncomfortably funny and surprisingly moving teen dramedies in recent memory,as it is uncompromisingly honestabout the pressures that are inherent to being a fifteen-year-old.
The Diary of a Teenage Girlwas the directorial debut ofMarielle Heller, a brilliant filmmaker with a keen eye for depicting complex interpersonal relationships. Heller was able to spotlight bonds between LGBTQIA+ characters inCan You Ever Forgive Me?, explored “the nicest man in the world” withA Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, and even found something horrific yet hilarious about maternityin her unusual dark comedyNightbitch. However,The Diary of a Teenage Girlmay be the best film of Heller’s career thus far, as it shows how challenging it can be for a young person to be faced with the responsibilities and expectations of adulthood.
What Is ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’ About?
The Diary of a Teenage Girlstars Bel Powley in her breakout role as the fifteen-year-old girl Minnie Goetze, who has dreamed of becoming a cartoonist. Although Minnie has developed anxieties about the way she looks, she finds it challenging to communicate with her mother, Charlotte (Kristen Wiig), who is often out late partying with her boyfriend, Monroe Rutherford (Alexander Skarsgård). It’s after joining him for a public outing that Minnie finds that she is attracted to Monroe, as she finds that he is more mature and articulate than many of the boys in her school. Minnie is able to open up about her feelings to her best friend, Kimmie Minter (Madeleine Waters), but ignores her advice by pursuing a fully consummated affair with Monroe. Although Minnie begins to feel that she has the experiences thatsignify that she is grown up, she is faced with heartbreak upon realizing that Monroe had never treated her as a serious object of affection.
The Diary of a Teenage Girlis cleverly stylized to show how Minnie perceives the world, as she is at an age where everything feels a bit larger-than-life. The very notion of having a sexual relationship is so exciting to her that she does not stop to consider what Monroe’s intentions are or how their affair could end up impacting her mother. Although Minnie often misjudges people,The Diary of a Teenage Girlnever feels like it is reveling in her misfortune, as it takes the time to show the meritsshe has as a burgeoning artist. However, the film does examine why a bright, thoughtful girl like Minnie could be made to feel abandoned by the nature of her upbringing; given that she feels bored by her school curriculum and is not able to have a strong relationship with her biological father, Pascal (Christopher Meloni), Minnie cannot be blamed for making risky decisions without thoroughly thinking them through. At times,The Diary of a Teenage Girlcan be an anxiety-inducing film to view, asanyone who faced feelings of self-doubt growing up may be able to see themselves within Powley’s performance.
‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’ Is an Honest, Yet Heartwarming Exploration of Growing Up
Although Powley gives a tremendous performance that should have immediately announced her as one of the stars of her generation,The Diary of a Teenage Girlfeatures a terrific ensemble cast that breathes life into the supporting characters, who could have felt like caricatures within a less detail-oriented film. While initially Monroe is perceived to be very charming, the film shows that his personality is only alluring to Minnie, who is not able to recognize why he may have more narcissistic motivations; Skarsgård does a great job at turning Monroe’s charismatic, collected behaviorinto something much creepier once he effectively abandons Minnie.Wiig is also great in a very challenging role, as the bulk of Charlotte’s character development does not appear until the end of the story. Although initially Charlotteappears to be an absentand, at times, ignorant mother, the film finds a way to show the similarities that she has with Minnie and why they would benefit from listening to each other more.
The Diary of a Teenage Girlis a great period piecethat embodies the culture and aesthetics of the 1970s but also uses Minnie’s artful drawings as a way to explore her inner thoughts. While some might find the sharp changes in tone jarring, these shifts occur because of the inherent uncomfortability of growing up; Minnie might be laughing at one point and then reduced to tears moments later. Whilethere are ethical questions raisedand satire regarding the ‘70s family culture that is introduced,The Diary of a Teenage Girlis an openly empathetic film that attempts to depict the seemingly insurmountable task of surviving high school.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
