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Very Good Girls

Name: Very Good Girls
Director: Naomi Foner
Released: 2013
Duration: 91 min

Representation Score

4.8/10

Fair

2013

Director

Naomi Foner

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Very Good Girls excels as a character-driven drama that prioritizes women's ability to act and emotional intelligence. By focusing on the internal lives of Lizzie and Leah, the film successfully disrupts conventional coming-of-age clichés centered around male protagonists. However, the film operates within limited social boundaries. Its romantic storylines remain strictly heterosexual, and its depiction of racial diversity, while rooted in its Brooklyn setting, lacks deeper multi-layered complexity or actively leading characters of color. Overall, the film provides a nuanced examination of female friendship and bodily autonomy. It presents traditional authority and social structures as sources of tension rather than absolute moral guides.

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Category Breakdown

Does Very Good Girls have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The story focuses on heterosexual relationships and teenage sexual exploration. It doesn't include explicit representations of non-binary genders or critiques of traditional gender roles.

How does Very Good Girls portray gender?

Good

The film challenges traditional gender hierarchies by emphasizing the role of women in driving the story. It highlights the emotional experiences of its main characters, moving away from typical male-dominated coming-of-age stories.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Very Good Girls?

Fair

Set in 1987 Brooklyn, the film captures the urban environment of the time. However, it emphasizes class differences over actively leading characters of diverse racial backgrounds or blended identities.

How does Very Good Girls represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative explores moral ambiguity, presenting choices through emotional contexts rather than strict social or religious norms. It shows conflict between youthful rebellion and established authority figures.

Does Very Good Girls include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or cognitive disabilities as central character arcs or plot devices.

Present on Screen

Emphasis on women's ability to act and emotional depth.
Challenges traditional male-centric coming-of-age stories.
Explores complex emotional landscapes and female bonds.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of non-binary gender identities.
Limited focus on multi-layered racial diversity and ability to act.
Depends on traditional heterosexual romantic frameworks.

Official Synopsis

Two New York City girls make a pact to lose their virginity during their first summer out of high school. When they both fall for the same street artist, the friends find their connection tested for the first time.

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