She Monkeys

She Monkeys (2011) is a poignant, coming-of-age Swedish drama directed by Lisa Aschan that masterfully interweaves realistic character narratives with societal commentary. Set against an equestrian backdrop, it employs powerful performances by actors Mathilda Paradeiser, Linda Molin, and Isabella Lindquist to craft an intricate narrative focused on power dynamics, burgeoning sexuality, and the complexities of female relationships.

Mathilda Paradeiser portrays Emma, a restrained and determined teenager with a penchant for equestrian vaulting. She leads a rather sedentary life with her single father and younger sister, Sara (Isabella Lindquist). A chance encounter introduces Emma to Cassandra (Linda Molin), an outgoing, manipulative, and confident young woman who becomes her main competition, admirer, and alleged friend.

The film follows Emma as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, traversing the confusing crossroads of adolescence. Throughout this narrative, viewers are privy to Emma's transformative process as she learns to balance friendship and rivalry, navigating the tricky terrain of competition and companionship simultaneously. Cassandra challenges Emma to confront her fears and insecurities, and as a result, the relationship between the two leads becomes increasingly intense and complex, blurring the lines between friendship, rivalry, and attraction.

Meanwhile, Emma's young sister, Sara, serves as a parallel subplot that enhances the overall narrative. She's often left to her own devices, with her storyline involving a slightly one-sided crush on one of her swimming classmates, which delivers an insightful look into the concept of burgeoning crushes during the early teenage years.

Linda Molin is spectacular in the role of Cassandra, offering an engaging contrast to Paradeiser’s stoic Emma. The actresses' on-screen chemistry is palpable and is essential to the movie’s overall stance. Isabella Lindquist delivers a commendable portrayal of the young Sara, bringing an element of innocence to the film's heavily layered narrative.

Set against a backdrop of equestrianism, She Monkeys makes use of stunning visuals and ground-breaking cinematography, providing a keen and invaluable exploration of the world of horse vaulting. It lends an insightful lens into the world of non-traditional sports, the competitive atmosphere, and the bond shared by riders and their horses. The movie is more than a simple sports drama, exploring social norms, adolescence, and the complexities of power dynamics.

The film delicacies tackles themes of female relationships, sexual awakening, and gender roles in society through a naturalistic, smartly paced, and perhaps unsettling narrative. Aschan does not shy away from depicting the confusing, confronting, and often dark aspects of adolescence. She succeeds phenomenally in crafting a narrative that leaves audiences debating and mulling over the movie long after the credits roll.

Simon Pramsten's cinematography is a highlight, with each frame in the film looking like a beautifully composed photograph. The subtly muted color scheme adds to the raw, unsettling feel appropriately. The musical score is equally modest, allowing the spaces between words to speak volumes as the drama unfolds.

Although She Monkeys is Aschan's debut film, it won the Crystal Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Jury Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, echoing the director’s unparalleled narrative skills and stunning visual direction.

Bearing in mind its mature themes and often disconcerting portrayal of power dynamics, She Monkeys won't be for everyone’s taste. Viewers who appreciate slow-burn dramas that peel back layer after layer to reveal nuanced characters and complex interpersonal relationships will find plenty to admire in the film.

Overall, She Monkeys offers an intense viewing experience that artfully explores the adolescent psyche’s complexities. It delves deep into the realms of feminine power, presenting a narrative that, while confronting, is intriguing and ultimately essential in the landscape of contemporary cinema. It is a bold, stunning debut that showcases Lisa Aschan as a fearless and thoughtful director, capable of inventive storytelling through cinema.