Girls Like Magic

Girls Like Magic revolves around the evolving relationship between Maggie, a straight woman, and her gay best friend Jamie. The movie, directed by Kit Williamson and written by Julia Eringer, presents a heartwarming and humorous exploration of friendship and love, against the backdrop of cultural and sociopolitical conversations that examine the complexities of sexuality, attraction, and personal identity.

Magic and Jamie have been inseparable since childhood. They are perhaps the odd ones out in their Californian neighborhood, and this has made their bond stronger. In the beginning, we see their relationship as very chummy. They share everything, from their living space to the intimate details of their lives. Jamie, played by Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera, is a free-spirited, slightly eccentric, and openly gay woman, while Magic, played by Julia Eringer, has always identified as straight. Dominic Adams plays the role of Trevor, an ostensibly perfect man who takes an interest in Magic.

The plot thickens when Jamie's gay neighbor and good friend Lucy - played by Silvia Baldassini - encourages Jamie to confess her suppressed feelings for Magic, following years of her crushing on her best friend quietly and from a distance. The rest of the movie's plot explores how this revelation affects their relationship, with Magic grappling with her sexuality, her feelings for Jamie, and what this entails about her identity, juxtaposed against her growing relationship with Trevor. We see Magic being conflicically attracted to both Trevor and Jamie, challenging her understanding of her own sexuality and self-concept.

Girls Like Magic is as much a coming-of-age chronicle as it is a romantic comedy. It gently pushes characters out of their comfort zones, guiding them towards self-discovery and deeper understanding. The movie aptly showcases how relationships and emotions do not always obey predefined societal norms, and it does this with a fine balance of humor and sensitivity.

The performances are commendable. Abeydeera as Jamie embodies the charm and angst of a young woman in love with her best friend, while Eringer presents a memorable performance as Magic, a woman on her transformative journey to self-discovery. Adams, as the inquisitive boyfriend Trevor, completes this love triangle with a solid performance. Baldassini's Lucy is a refreshing addition, providing an insightful perspective and promoting positive conversations around sexuality.

Girls Like Magic also explores various LGBTQ+ issues throughout its narrative. Matters like acceptance, discrimination, and human rights pop up intermittently, rendering the movie a sociopolitical commentary in addition to being a romantic comedy-drama. However, the filmmakers ensure that the narrative never becomes too preachy, and the delicate issues are balanced well with moments of laughter, love, and camaraderie.

Visually, the film is stimulating. The beautiful cinematography captures the essence of California, enhancing the storytelling. From Jamie’s vibrant, artistically messy apartment to the sunny neighborhood where the friends reside, each setting fosters a character of its own, adding layers to the narrative. Also noteworthy is the well-curated music, that blends seamlessly with the varying moods of the movie.

Overall, Girls Like Magic (2017) makes for an entertaining watch that infuses rom-com cliches with freshness through nuanced explorations of love, friendship, and sexuality. It’s a film that leaves viewers reflecting on the spectrum of the human heart, and it does this with wit, humor, and emotion – never losing its optimistic tone or its raw portrayal of the characters. The characters are relatable, the dynamics of their relationships believable, and the storyline, while revolving around an unconventional theme, is told in a manner that's engaging and heartwarming. This film offers a realistic portrayal of the LGBTQ+ experience, making it a must-watch not just for the audiences within the community, but for anyone willing to embark on a cinematic journey of love and friendship.