Girl

Girl is a compelling Belgian drama film co-written and directed by Lukas Dhont, released in 2018. The film is unflinchingly intimate and sensitive, presenting a bold narrative of a teenager who aspires to become a ballerina. Dhont's movie features captivating performances by its leading cast, including Victor Polster, Arieh Worthalter, and Oliver Bodart.

Victor Polster, in his sensational acting debut, breathes life into the protagonist, Lara, a 15-year-old girl born in the body of a male aspiring to become a professional ballerina. Polster's portrayal of this demanding role is achingly raw and moving, effectively capturing his character's internal struggles and ambition. His ballet movements, exquisite in their elegance and precision, amplify Lara's yearning for her identity.

Arieh Worthalter, who plays Lara's father, Mathias, offers a nuanced performance as a supportive and loving single parent struggling to understand his child's journey. His depiction of Mathias' balancing act between protecting his child and allowing her freedom to assert her identity is heart-rending. His character adds a wholesome dimension to the interplay of relationships in the film.

Making his film debut as Milo, Lara's little brother, Oliver Bodart shows remarkable conviction and poise. Despite his young age, he portrays a heartfelt understanding of Lara's situation and deftly represents the complex emotions and questions such a situation could evoke in a young mind.

Girl is set in the world of ballet in contemporary Belgium, and it uses the physical and psychological demands of ballet as a metaphor for Lara's journey. Dhont and his team skillfully embrace this visual storytelling method, making the art of ballet another character in the film, reflecting Lara’s inner turmoil and determination.

The film is meticulously crafted, creating a deeply immersive experience for audiences. Director Lukas Dhont unfolds Girl's narrative with an empathetic touch, nudging viewers into Lara's world without resorting to theatrics. His delicate handling of such a complex subject is commendable. The layers of issues tackled by the film, such as self-acceptance, societal norms, and adolescent pains, resonate deeply. Dhont also efficiently weaves in the theme of body dysmorphia and the mental and physical efforts that individuals often undergo for their genuine identities.

Polster's performance as Lara is commendable alongside Worthalter's portrayal as Mathias. Their interactions form the backbone of the film, as they struggle to understand each other and navigate complex emotional territory. Worthalter portrays a father grappling with paternal instincts to comfort and protect, while attempting to provide confidence and freedom to his child. On the other hand, Polster captures Lara's angst, confusion, and determination with a detailed understanding that is rare to see in such a young artist's debut.

Notable is the film's decision to rely on non-verbal elements, like the use of body language and visual cues, to convey its message. Cinematographer Frank van den Eeden captures the raw emotions that quite often go unspoken but are no less powerful.

The film's sensitive portrayal of Lara's life underscores the universality of the human struggle for acceptance, not just from society but also from oneself. Girl is an emotional journey into the life of a teenager wrestling with a reality that does not align with her inner self, showing the courage, resilience, and determination that such a journey entails.

In summary, 'Girl' is a bold exploration of identity, acceptance, and the high cost of ambition through a young trans girl's journey. While the film is steeped in the ballet world, its central theme encompasses all, focusing on universal human experiences. Its heartbreaking authenticity and the stellar performances by Victor Polster, Arieh Worthalter and Oliver Bodart make for a thought-provoking watch, leaving viewers with profound afterthoughts about identity, acceptance, and selfhood.