I Believe In Unicorns

I Believe in Unicorns is a captivating coming-of-age drama that was released in 2014. This indie film stars Natalia Dyer, who audiences will likely recognize from her work on the acclaimed Netflix series "Stranger Things." Alongside Dyer, the film also features passionate performances by Peter Vack and Julia Garner, who help to construct a mesmerizing and emotional narrative.

The movie's plot revolves around a young girl named Davina, played by Dyer. Davina is a whimsical and imaginative teenager who seeks an escape from the drudgeries of reality through her imaginings and her ever-creative art. She feels bogged down by her everyday life, in part because she serves as the primary caretaker for her disabled mother. Davina's world is turned upside down however, when she falls in hard-hitting love with an older boy named Sterling, a punk rocker character ably portrayed by Peter Vack.

The film explores the dynamics of this intense, but tumultuous love story. Sterling is rebellious and unpredictable, which is exciting for Davina, a girl longing for change and adventure. However, as their relationship evolves and becomes more volatile, Davina must navigate the complexities of young love, the harsh realities that sometimes underline it, and the fact that things are not always as they seem.

While it has romance at its core, I Believe in Unicorns is not your typical love story. Instead, it offers a more realistic perspective on teenage romance, eschewing the sweetly simplistic Hollywood narratives for something far more complex and layered. The narrative reflects the heartache, the trials, the mistakes, and the sheer turbulence that often accompany first love experiences.

A distinctive aspect of the film is its artful integration of fantasy elements. This ties into Davina’s penchant for dreaming and infuses the story with a unique magical realism. The film is interspersed with dreamlike sequences and whimsical touches, aligning with the imaginative escapism that Davina indulges in. From unicorns to fairy-tale landscapes, these imaginative elements serve as both metaphors and as reflections of Davina's mindset.

Natalia Dyer delivers a compelling performance as Davina, masterfully portraying the oscillation between the optimism of youthful innocence and the pessimism that reality can often impose. Through Dyer's embodying of Davina, the audience experiences her journey in a deeply intimate way, empathizing with her struggles and rooting for her growth. Peter Vack, as Sterling, brings complexity to the archetypal 'bad boy' figure, skillfully balancing charm with an underlying menace. Julia Garner, although in a supporting role, contributes meaningfully to the story, reflecting the broader social environment around the main characters.

What sets I Believe in Unicorns apart from most films in the coming-of-age genre is its emotionally raw, unfiltered exploration of adolescent love. It neither glorifies nor grossly vilifies its characters, instead opting for a nuanced portrayal that focuses on their humanity – flawed, confused, and volatile. Director Leah Meyerhoff does an excellent job of portraying the world through a young girl's eyes, raising thought-provoking questions about love, identity, independence, and the pains of growing up.

The cinematography in I Believe in Unicorns further enhances the storytelling. With its indie ethos, the film does not shy away from experimenting with its visual narrative. The gritty realism of the everyday life portrayals is effectively juxtaposed with dreamy, fantastical sequences, connecting the audience to Davina's imaginative inner world.

In short, I Believe in Unicorns is a captivating exploration of teenage romance, the pursuit of escape, and the often rocky road to personal growth. With its blend of realism and fantasy, and layered performances by its lead actors, the film remains memorable for its emotional depth and beautifully surreal touch. However, make no mistake, despite its dreamy title, the film is a poignant and very real portrayal of the highs and lows of adolescence.