Riot Girls

Riot Girls is a pulse-pounding, post-apocalyptic feature film, directed by Jovanka Vuckovic, and it was unleashed into the cinematic world in 2019. The movie boasts a remarkable cast that includes Madison Iseman, Jenny Raven, Paloma Kwiatkowski, and a host of other talented actors.

The narrative of Riot Girls is set in an alternate 1995, and invokes nostalgic notions of 90's counterculture. The film is bathed in a retro aura that runs throughout the cinematography, soundtracks, and character representations. The premise presents a grim world where all adults have been wiped out due to a mysterious disease, leaving behind a generation of adolescents who must fight for control, survival, and supremacy.

Riot Girls takes this premise and divides it into a tale of two cities - or rather, two territories. The community is bifurcated physically and ideologically, split into the "East Side" and the "West Side". The East Side is dominated by the affluent and powerful Westside Titans, a football-team-turned-paramilitary outfit led by Jeremy, portrayed by Munro Chambers. They live in the safety of homes left behind by their parents, maintain an oppressive regime, and wield the remnants of adult authority.

On the other hand, the punk-inspired Riot Girls rule the East Side. Unlike their West Side counterparts, the Riot Girls are more disorganized, rebellious, and vibrant, living in a community defined by camaraderie and resilience. The group is led by resourceful butch lesbian Nat (Madison Iseman) and her best friend, the slightly less hardened Scratch (Paloma Kwiatkowski).

When the Westside Titans kidnap Nat’s brother, Jack (played by Alex Hassell), an unexpected sequence of events unfolds. The Riot Girls, along with a band of ragtag survivors, step up to embark on a high-risk mission to infiltrate the rival territory and save one of their own. This marks the inception of a thrilling action-packed ride, featuring heart-pounding confrontations and defying daring escapes.

Despite the often somber nature of the post-apocalyptic premise, Riot Girls embraces a dark comic essence. The screenplay is written by Katherine Collins and brilliantly blends elements of a coming-of-age story within the dystopian narrative. It strikes a perfect balance in storytelling; managing not to take itself too seriously while also showcasing the reality of a society in decline.

The film is covered in a layer of punk ethos, evident in its aesthetic elements such as the graphic novel-inspired scenes, loud rock music, and colorful graffiti-like graphics, which pays tribute to the comic book aesthetic and rebellious spirit of the 90s. Laurie Sarkadi's grunge-infused costume designs further amplify the movie's nostalgic aesthetic and breathe life into the characters.

In terms of the performance, the actors deliver captivating executions of their respective roles – Iseman and Kwiatkowski exhibit a compelling dynamic as central characters, and are pivotal in driving the narrative forward. Their performances bring believability and emotional depth to the characters, offering an empathetic portrayal of adolescence in a time of dystopian hardship.

Riot Girls also addresses issues like social hierarchy, oppression, power, and resistance in its subtext, making it more than just a run-of-the-mill post-apocalyptic action film. The film’s inherent feminist undertones and portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships are addressed naturally and respectfully, a refreshing addition taken into consideration the movie’s 90s setting.

Jovanka Vuckovic's directorial debut with Riot Girls is a testament to a refreshing cinematic vision. The humor, the excitement, the drama, and the unexpected twists and turns make it a truly immersive experience. Plus, the nostalgic trip down the 90s memory lane will have older viewers yearning for their forgotten mixtapes and grungy band posters.

In summary, Riot Girls is a fascinating dystopian adventure that beautifully blends elements of action, humor, punk aesthetics, and adolescent drama. Perfect for fans of post-apocalyptic narratives or those who long for a refreshing reinterpretation of the 90s punk scene, the film is a dynamic display of rebellion, resilience, and riotous camaraderie in a society stumbling over remnants of its past while scrabbling towards an uncertain future.