All Over Me

All Over Me is a piercing, coming-of-age drama released in 1997 and directed by Alex Sichel. This indie film, set in the gritty streets of Hell's Kitchen, New York City, stars Alison Folland, Tara Subkoff, and Cole Hauser. It's a raw exploration of female adolescence and friendship, the struggles of discovering one's identity, and the trials of unrequited love.

The film primarily follows teenager Claude (Alison Folland), a simple girl with a profound love for music. A native of Hell's Kitchen, Claude spends most of her time writing songs and hanging out with her best friend, Ellen (Tara Subkoff). They share countless dreams of starting their own band, with Ellen as the lead singer and Claude on the guitar.

Claude is a gentle spirit, introverted, vulnerable, and exceedingly loyal to Ellen. She's distinctly characterized by her oversized clothes, androgynous hairstyle, and electric guitar, a reflection of her affinity for grunge music. Her closeted sensibilities echo the quiet struggle of her sexual identity, which is generously explored throughout the film.

Fully realizing that she is gay, Claude harbors a surreptitious love for Ellen, a dynamic that creates a palpable tension throughout the movie. Despite her feelings for her best friend, Ellen is generally oblivious to Claude's feelings and spends most of her time infatuated with Mark (Cole Hauser), a somewhat detrimental local rocker who injects a sense of edginess and hazard into their lives.

As Ellen immerses herself deeper into a toxic relationship with Mark, she becomes estranged from Claude. Consequently, the rift sets our protagonist, Claude, on a solitary journey towards self-discovery and acceptance. As she grapples with her sexual identity amid an atmosphere that is not particularly supportive, she meets Luke, a gay neighbor involved in the vibrant local LGBTQ scene which plays an instrumental role in Claude's personal journey.

All Over Me, while primarily a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, is layered with themes of unfulfilled dreams and unexplored opportunities. It paints a vivid picture of the 1990s' punk scene wherein the protagonists struggle to find themselves amidst drugs, crime, and rock-and-roll.

The film's narrative isn't all grim; it's punctuated with moments of humor and warmth, especially when Claude interacts with her supportive mother or strikes a tentative friendship with the openly gay musician, Lucy, someone she looks up to. The essence of the film is about reconciliation, of accepting one's identity and making peace with the world around you, even as it turns a blind eye towards you.

The direction by Alex Sichel is indelibly human and raw. It captures the rough edges of adolescence and the haunting plight of being a misfit in a world that demands uniformity. The acting is notably exceptional, especially from Alison Folland, whose empathetic portrayal of Claude is emotionally touching, nuanced, and will linger with you long after the movie has ended. Her poignant connection with Subkoff, who convincingly portrays the flighty and oblivious Ellen, underscores their friendship, meticulously capturing the disillusionment when friendship turns sour.

The expressive cinematography further enhances the film's ambiance, offering a grimy, authentic look at the mid-90s Hell’s Kitchen—not the gentrified neighborhood we know of today but a gritty, raw, and often unwelcoming concrete jungle. The music score deserves special praise. Being deeply rooted in the grunge and punk music scene, the film’s soundtrack is a nostalgic ride back into the '90s, enhancing its intense drama with carefully curated songs that echo both despair and hope.

In conclusion, All Over Me is a poignant cinematic experience that offers a profound look into the struggles of self-discovery, adolescent friendship ties, unreciprocated love, and the unwavering spirit of youth. Its raw depiction of the struggles and asymmetries of growing up makes it an empathetic take on adolescence that is as troubling as it is empowering. It’s a requisite watch for lovers of indie film and LGBT cinema.