Based off of a popular comic book, the trailer for this indie film makes it seem like any good run of the mill coming-of-age story line: two girls (Enid and Rebecca played by Thora Birch and Scarlett Johansson) who are apparently different than their piers but are too cool to care. The only plans each has to graduate after is moving in with the other, each aimlessly seeking direction in life. Later on enter Semour (played by Steve Buscemi), at first used as an amusing joke to the pair but eventually becoming a major character to Enid.
Sounds like a fantastic film for any high schooler facing similar consequences, we all like to think of ourselves as uber cool outliers to chic for our piers and buddy films are always heartwarming.However after watching the movie I was heavily disappointed about the direction the film ended up taking.
What I thought was going to be a plot that focused heavily on the friendship of two girls was really more the story of one of the girls, Enid. Instead of portraying the dynamic of the relationship of the pair post graduation the film greatly focused on Enid's struggle of finding her place not only in the "real world" but also in nearly all of her personal relationships. There are scenes portraying her more annoyed than loving relationship with her father, her demising relationship with Rebecca, and her weird but budding relationship with loner Semour.
Nonetheless if there is one role Thora Birch can play it is the role of a moody, indifferent, selfish teenager (a la American Beauty). Though the moodiness and selfishness of Enid gets old at times there are some laugh out loud moments that arise from them. Enid's apparent need to stand out also contributes to great costume design for her character, all seemingly different and vintage outfits accompany Enid throughout the film compared to a tamer selection of clothes for Rebecca and Semour.
Maybe it was my high expectations for the film but I was not that impressed with it overall. If you're looking for a Thelma & Louise type female-driven story do not look here. Though both girls are on the movie poster this film is most definitely centered on Enid. At times it felt as though the film was trying to hard to display teen angst that simply was not there. There is no question that the acting was superb given the cast, it was however the story plot that lowered my view of this film
