Foxes

Foxes is a powerful and gritty coming-of-age drama that caught the eye of cinema-goers back in 1980, directed by Adrian Lyne and featuring a remarkable ensemble cast led by a young Jodie Foster. Foster, already gaining momentum as a talented actress to watch, shares the screen with Cherie Currie, Marilyn Kagan, and notably Scott Baio, who give heart-rendering performances that echo the angst and tension of the adolescent years.

The film's plot focuses on a group of four teenage girls in San Fernando Valley, California, living their everyday lives in the suburbia of America in the late 1970s. The narrative delves into the complexities of adolescence, precariously balanced between the wistful, carefree nature of youth and the burdensome anticipation of impending adulthood. The socio-cultural backdrop of the time period, liberally infused with the carefree spirit of rock and roll as well as the pressure of contemporary American lifestyle, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.

Jodie Foster delivers a captivating performance as Jeanie, the most grounded member of the group, saddled with a deep sense of responsibility far beyond her years. Jeanie holds her friends together, serving as the voice of reason through their shared experiences and challenges - whether it be parental issues, romantic complexities, or personal inner struggles. Operating as the de facto adult in her life, Jeanie's character grapples with the anxiety of caring for her divorced, yet immature mother, played by the talented Sally Kellerman.

Cherie Currie, best known as the lead vocalist of The Runaways, plays Annie, who's battling the tribulations of a drug problem and contentious relationship with an abusive father. Marilyn Kagan's character Deidre deals with the burden of an overbearing mother pressuring her to lose weight. Rounding out the quartet is Kandice Stroh's Madge, who grapples with her unplanned pregnancy.

Foxes successfully encapsulates the spirit of young adolescence, brilliantly blending uncensored explorations of the girls' experiences with an authentic portrayal of teenage friendship. It rides the ebb and flow of the contrasting dynamics of their lives - joyous parties, turbulent family confrontals, and moments of unadulterated freedom stealing away in the night listening to rock music.

Despite their diverse backgrounds and individual problems, the film wonderfully shows how the girls form a cohesive unit, seeking refuge in the bond they share with each other. Their friendship serves as a sanctuary, a safe haven from their respective dysfunctional homes. Throughout the movie, they rely on each other as they maneuver the treacherous path of adolescence, attempting to escape the harsh realities of their troubled environment.

Foxes takes a deep dive into pressing issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, and family dysfunction, without underplaying or romanticizing these concerns. Director Adrian Lyne presents a poignant portrayal of youth struggling in the adult world, grappling with concerns far larger than their age.

The title, "Foxes," is figurative and powerful, referring to the four girls as city foxes, trying to navigate the urban jungle they live in. The narrative is as much about resilience and survival as it is about friendship and growing up.

The original soundtrack, composed by Giorgio Moroder, and the inclusion of popular music of the era, featuring the likes of Donna Summer and Cher, adds an electrifying layer to the film, vividly capturing the vibrant and tumultuous mood of the period.

In essence, Foxes is an authentic, raw portrayal of teenage life, marked by its exploration of friendship, the trials of burgeoning adulthood, and how they impact the psyche of young girls. It gives a realistic depiction of a time fraught with the intensity of nascent adulthood while celebrating the innocence and tenacity of youth. With a fantastic cast, thoughtful narrative, and iconic soundtrack, Foxes is a must-watch for fans of emotional yet uplifting drama.