Reform School Girls

Reform School Girls is a film that debuted in 1986, which masterfully weaves together comedy, drama, and the darker elements of the human experience. This cult classic is directed by Tom DeSimone, known primarily for his horror films and is characterized by his signature style of accentuating dramatic, intense characters in familiar settings. Now set against the raw, intense backdrop of a women's reform school, DeSimone's storytelling flair takes an even more daring turn.

Linda Carol stars as Jenny Williams, a young, misunderstood girl wrongfully sentenced to Pridemore Juvenile Facility for Girls, a women's reform school. Jenny is portrayed as a character that's far from perfect but full of character. Linda Carol portrays her beautifully - as a girl who's just trying to find her place in the world against impossibly high stakes.

At Pridemore, Jenny meets a cast of characters that are as colorful as they are intimidating. One such character is Charlie Chambliss (Wendy O. Williams), the sadistic reform school matron with a warped sense of justice. Wendy O. Williams, the noted punk rock musician, takes on this role with an unnerving intensity. Chambliss is the terror of Pridemore, displaying little empathy for the girls under her charge. Williams paints a picture of a deeply flawed individual who was given too much power and used it irresponsibly.

Pat Ast delivers a memorable performance as Edna, a seemingly counterproductive yet enduring role. Ast’s characterization of Edna undoubtedly adds another layer of complexity to the movie, contributing to the overarching theme of torment within the walls of Pridemore.

As Jenny navigates through the mind-bending absurdity that is daily life at Pridemore, she comes face to face with deceit, brutality, and bullying. Over time, she gathers an unlikely group of allies. Among them is the sassy, headstrong Lisa (Sherri Stoner), who hates the rules just as much as Jenny does. Their unconventional friendship highlights the underlying premise of the film – that some bonds can form in the unlikeliest of places.

Despite the title, Reform School Girls is more than just about girls at a reform school. It uses its seemingly straightforward premise as a springboard to delve deeper into themes of power dynamics, human nature, resilience, and survival. What makes this film strikingly potent is how effectively it uses the reform school as a microcosm for society as a whole - some individuals crave order, some thrive on chaos, some are oppressed, and some fight back.

Beyond its gripping narrative, the film also features a stellar soundtrack which perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the 80s, transitioning from 'punk rock' to a new wave of 'pop'. Songs by artists like Wendy O. Williams, who puts on a double role as Charlie Chambliss and the voice behind the music, adds another layer of intrigue and depth to the film.

Even 35 years after its release, the movie packs a powerful punch – it's both thought-provoking and entertaining, set against a captivating soundscape. It's a testament to DeSimone's ability to tell a compelling story in the most characteristic settings. Daring and unapologetically direct, Reform School Girls skillfully uses its raw narrative and complex characters to offer a take on power, survival, and resilience that remains as relevant today as it was when the film was first released.

A word of caution before viewing: Reform School Girls is unapologetically brash and risqué. It's a cinematic adventure that isn't afraid to swagger on the edge, dealing with mature themes and intense sequences. It's not a movie that caters to all tastes. However, for fans of cult classics or those willing to appreciate a wild cinematic ride, it's well worth the watch.