How to Be Really Bad

How to Be Really Bad is a 2018 German comedy movie directed by Marco Petry and starring Emma Bading, Janina Fautz, and Ludwig Simon. The film is based on the book by Hortense Ullrich and is a cheeky comedic tale filled with drama, comedy, and romance.

The plot centers around Emma Bading's character, Lilith, the 16-year-old devilish daughter of the devil himself. Coming from a long line of pure evil, she's in the process of taking her final exam in devil school with the goal of ascending to the devilish throne. Her task is to take control of a good soul and turn it into a wicked one. The soul she targets belongs to Greta, a teenage girl played by Janina Fautz. The engaging narrative sheds light on their encounter in a light-hearted, humorous, and at times, tense manner, providing a film that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

Set against the enchanting yet normal backdrop of a small town, the story unfolds. As Lilith tries to manipulate Greta into giving in to her worst impulses, she ends up unrestricted in the human world, which presents a set of challenges she didn't anticipate. Humans are not as simple as she'd imagined. As Lilith navigates through this seemingly normal world, the film paints an amusing picture of the devil's daughter struggling with regular teen problems: fitting in, adjusting to high school life, and wrestling with emotions that are unusual for her - love.

Emma Bading delivers a stellar performance as the misfit struggling to fully understand her role and power's limits. Her character growth is well depicted, from a stubborn proud devil's daughter to a young girl who learns to appreciate life's complexities. Emma Bading's performance resonates well with the audience, resulting in comedic timing that keeps audiences hooked throughout. Janina Fautz plays an equally compelling role as Greta, the good soul whose character development complements Bading's performance.

Ludwig Simon, as Samuel, Greta's football-crazy brother, brings an exciting aspect to the mix. The dynamic between Lilith and Samuel is unquestionably one of the highlights of the film. Samuel is oblivious to the fact that his household's newest member is from the underworld, and their interaction provides an interesting twist to the narrative.

The film introduces a charming interplay of regular teen adventures and supernatural endeavors. It's a coming-of-age narrative with a twist, literally a devil of a twist! It examines good versus evil and the blurred lines in between. The theme resonates throughout the movie, inciting viewers to ponder big questions like can the daughter of the devil learn to appreciate the mingling of good and bad in humans? Can a demon fall in love?

The cinematography warrants special mention, demonstrating the unique combination of mundane human lives with glimpses of supernatural elements. The film creatively displays different aspects of growing up, first love, high school lives, teenage struggles, and triumphs.

Moreover, it uses humor and devilish charm to draw attention to prevalent societal themes. It manages to infuse moments of moral introspection amid the tongue-in-cheek narrative, providing substance in an entertaining package.

How to Be Really Bad boasts an excellent soundtrack that supplements the on-screen drama, resonating with each character's sentiments and the overall plot. The film's score complements the narrative, accentuating its comedic and dramatic elements.

In conclusion, How to Be Really Bad is a uniquely engaging comedy flick that combines supernatural elements with robust character development and outstanding performances by its young star-studded casts. The movie's fascinating blend of humor, drama, and moral contemplation make it a fantastic watch for viewers across ages. It's a devilishly good film that insightfully captures the essence of a teen coming-of-age story. It's a comedy movie that delivers much more than just laughs - it leaves viewers pondering about life, goodness, evil, and the gray area in between.