Of Girls and Horses

Of Girls and Horses is a 2014 German drama film directed by Monika Treut that studies the human spirit, sexuality, friendship, and self-discovery. This coming-of-age tale stars Ceci Chuh, Alissa Wilms, and Vanida Karun in pivotal roles. It's an immersive and gentle film that delves deep into the soul of its young characters. It's a cinematic piece that explores the complexities of adolescence, the hardships of harboring secrets, and the beauty of unexpected friendships.

At the heart of the movie, we meet Alex (Ceci Chuh), a rebellious teenager wrestling with her past mistakes and a growing sense of self-destruction that's been worsening the relationship with her mother. Eager to mend the fences but unsure about how to go about the process, Alex's social worker suggests an unusual setting for therapy: a horse ranch in the beautiful and serene countryside of Northern Germany. Alex feels out of her depth in this alien world of equine care where there seems to be more about reading animal behavior and understanding oneself than experiencing the frivolities of adolescent life.

Enter Nina (Vanida Karun), the sophisticated, elegant, and love-struck owner of the horse farm whose passion for homesteading and horses begins to rub off on Alex. Nina’s passion for horses runs deep, which visually and metaphorically represents the freedom, strength, and resilience these characters must embody to overcome barriers. Her relationship with her girlfriend Christine (Ellen Grell) sets an example of mature, loving and respectful companionship for Alex, who is in the process of figuring her own life out.

As if these character dynamics weren't intriguing enough, the plot thickens with the arrival of Kathy (Alissa Wilms), a privileged teenager from the city, sent by her parents to stay at the farm with the condition that she would take part in horse care and riding. Having to deal and cooperate with Kathy, sparks fly between both girls at first, resulting in a whirlpool of emotions, past struggles, and a burgeoning friendship with an edge of tension.

The movie transcends the conventional realm of drama and cleverly employs symbolism embodied in the terrestrial life of the ranch and the majestic, powerful and tender horses. The atmosphere of the film is calm and easygoing, much like the horse farm and its surroundings. But like the sometimes unpredictable and challenging nature of horses, teenage life is represented with the same identifiable traits, an essence captured gracefully in the film.

Throughout the narrative, Alex's journey is central. Her evolution from a disgruntled, self-harming teenager into a young woman discovering her strength, ability, and potential is brilliantly portrayed, making us root for her. The film touches upon the narrative of latent homosexuality sensitively but quite profoundly. Ceci Chuh brings forth all the confusion and defiance of young Alex superbly, and Vanida Karun’s mature performance as Nina forms an ideal foil.

Alissa Wilms replaces her initial haughtiness with vulnerability and understanding as Kathy, which lends another textured layer to the script. The performances never feel forced or dramatized, but rather have a natural, realistic feel that compels the audience to engage with the characters' journeys.

Of Girls and Horses organically explores themes of responsibility, friendship, struggle, maturation, and acceptance. It presents the rural idyllic as a mirror reflecting life's challenges and overdue lessons that cannot be bypassed, only eventually confronted. The cinematography beautifully captures the expansive, open landscapes and quiet rustic life, becoming a lush visual metaphor for the openness, exploration, and changes the teenage girls experience.

Even though the narrative deals with heavy topics, it never falls into the pitfall of becoming overly dark or indulgent. It maintains a steady stride, much like a patient rider on a horse. The rhythm of the movie is mesmerizing, reassuring the audience that sometimes, it's okay to take it slow, breathe in the fresh air, and allow nature and time to simmer down our youthful internal battles.

In the final analysis, Of Girls and Horses is a sensitive and insightful take on the tumultuous journey of growing up. With its richly painted portrait of teenage years, innate struggles, and the healing power of nature, it's a movie that successfully deepens the understanding of the essence of human experiences.