Lily & Kat

Lily & Kat is a 2015 indie drama film that's equal parts an exploration of friendship and a coming-of-age narrative. Directed by Micael Preysler and featuring a talented cast, including Jessica Rothe, Hannah Murray and Jack Falahee, the film explores the themes of self-identity, growing up, and the enduring bond of friendship.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of New York City, the film tells the story of two inseparable best friends, Lily(Rothe) and Kat(Murray). Both attend the same design school in the city, and share a vibrant downtown loft. Their fun-loving, whimsical lives are filled with wild parties, impromptu fashion shows, and deep conversations on the rooftop. The film embraces humor, youthful exuberance, and the eccentricity of its characters to ensure a light-hearted yet intriguing depiction of their world.

However, when we meet them, they are merely weeks away from graduation. The impending change in their lives serves as an underlying premise of uncertainty that begins to permeate through their otherwise care-free existence. On the surface, they seem to be living their best life, careening through their youth in the city that never sleeps, but beneath their vivacity lies a sense of melancholy and trepidation about their graduating life.

To complicate matters further, Kat, the more adventurous and carefree of the two, reveals that she's moving back to London, disrupting the comfort and familiarity of their shared space. This bombshell, naturally, throws a spanner in the works and the dynamic between the two friends begins to change, revealing undercurrents of friction that had never before surfaced. Lily, more grounded and pragmatic between the two, struggles with the idea of their parting ways and the potential changes looming on their horizons.

Their friendship is tested further when they find themselves embroiled in a love triangle with a charismatic stranger played by Jack Falahee. As they navigate through the complexities of their emotions, it becomes evident that there's more at stake than teen romance. The character dynamics are complex and layered which allows the film to delve deeper into mature themes of growing pains, young love, and life transitions.

The relationships are realistically depicted - there is tender affection, laughter, jealousy, and hurt, all intricately woven together, and sometimes, all in a single scene. The film shines with realistic dialogue and situations that make the characters instantly relatable. The chemistry between Rothe and Murray is palpable, making it easy to believe in their long-standing friendship. Their on-screen energy further enhances the deep bond shared by Lily and Kat.

The cityscape of New York serves as an ever-present third character in the movie, and the cinematography does justice to it by capturing the majesty, energy, and pulse of the city. From bustlingstreets, charming cafés, to ethereal rooftop views, the city forms a lovely backdrop that adds depth and vibrancy to their youthful lives.

Notably, the film beautifully encapsulates the whirlwind of emotions involved during the twilight of collegiate life. From the anxiety of leaving behind the security of college life to the fear of stepping into an unknown, adult world, and the sadness of parting ways with friends, all these aspects are mindfully explored.

Despite being a psychological journey, the narrative doesn't lose its charm and humor. Playing with the confusion and chaos of early twenties, it accurately portrays the struggle of navigating through friendships, ambitions, and romantic pursuits all while trying to figure out who one is and who one wants to be.

In a nutshell, Lily & Kat is an affecting and sincere story of friendship and personal growth. It perfectly captures the beauty of the flawed but intense friendship between the two leads, with their various missteps and quarrels and how it shapes them as individuals. The film will make you laugh, take you on an emotional roller-coaster, and leave you contemplating the bittersweet journey of growing up. For anyone who is, or has been on the verge of stepping into adulthood, or anyone who harbors a deep friendship, Lily & Kat is sure to strike a chord.