Little Bitches

Little Bitches, a 2018 film directed by Nick Kreiss, boasts a talented cast that includes Jennette McCurdy, Kiersey Clemons, and Virginia Gardner. This youthful comedy-drama dives deep into the complexities of friendship, growing into adulthood, and the tough realities of navigating high school.

The plot revolves around best friends Kelly, portrayed by Jennette McCurdy of iCarly fame, Marisa, played by Kiersey Clemons, and Annie, played by Virginia Gardner, initially known for her noteworthy role in the sci-fi series, Runaways. These three characters are typical high-school students each with their distinctive characteristics. Kelly is the sarcastic and bold one; Marisa is the most grounded and thoughtful, and Annie plays the role of a free-spirited and nonchalant girl.

However, as endearing as they are, they are not your stereotypical teenager characters. They bear the tag 'Little Bitches,' mirroring the sometimes raw and often cruel realities of teenage humour. Through their journey, the narrative paints a detailed, realistic, yet humorous portrait of the usual ups and downs, changes, and unchanging constants that mark the transition from high school to adulthood.

The story unfolds with the trio signing a pact to open their college acceptance letters together during their senior year - a unity emblematic of their shared journey thus far. However, as their final year of high school unravels, they start to drift apart due to individual interests, personality clashes, and the challenges of impending adulthood.

Meanwhile, the film brilliantly captures the pressure and expectations that hover over high school seniors. It deals with the anxiety of college acceptance, parental expectations, teenage feelings, friend trials, and the looming reality of graduation. Despite these pressures, the movie does not lose its light-hearted touch.

The screenplay is filled with hilarious moments, quick-witted dialogues, and farcical situations that keep you entertained. However, beneath the comedy, Little Bitches also explores heavy themes such as estrangement, loyalty, and personal growth. The movie indulges in the harsh realities of life, balancing the optimism and melancholy that tend to accompany growing up.

Jennette McCurdy's portrayal of Kelly is note-perfect as she balances cynicism and vulnerability convincingly. Kiersey Clemons' Marisa brings a refreshing element of grounded realism, effectively portraying a character torn between loyalty and personal growth. Virginia Gardner infuses the role of Annie with a pleasantly offhand vibe and a touch of whimsy.

Moreover, the director, Nick Kreiss, does an incredible job of illustrating a rather real and relatable side of high school life. He masterfully weaves the sharp and playful script with the actors' commendable performances. He brings forth a nostalgic, evocative, and comic portrayal of the teenage years that, though slightly over-the-top, doesn’t shy away from the true essence of growing up. He uses comedy as a tool to address heavy subjects, making the movie engaging and thought provoking at the same time.

Little Bitches is a refreshing departure from the typical high school drama. It's an honest, humorous, and occasionally raw portrayal of the challenges teenagers face when transitioning from high school to college. Characterized by strong performances, a sharp script, and a realistic portrayal of the trials and tribulations of teenage life, Little Bitches offers a somewhat nostalgic look at that delicate cusp of adulthood.

In conclusion, Little Bitches offers audiences an entertaining, memorable, and emotionally resonant exploration of the perils and pleasures of high school life. With strong performances, relatable characters, and an engrossing, humorous take on the universal struggle of growing up, this film is a must-watch for fans of the coming-of-age genre.