Support the Girls

Support the Girls, directed by Andrew Bujalski and released in 2018, is a slice-of-life dramedy that subtly conveys smart social commentary while indulging in fun and exuberant storytelling. The film stars Regina Hall, known for her memorable roles in various box-office successes. Hall is accompanied by equally talented co-stars Haley Lu Richardson and Dylan Gelula. The film's narrative revolves around several young women, navigating through their personal lives while working together in the hospitality industry.

The movie’s main protagonist is Lisa Conroy, portrayed by Hall, who is the general manager at the ‘Double Whammies', a locally owned 'Hooters' style sports bar which primarily under fictional context, serves a clientele of rowdy sports fans and lonesome bar slobs. Her role isn't limited to administration but extends to being a surrogate mother figure for the scantily-clad waitresses who work under her. Hall's portrayal of Lisa is empathetic and strong, endearing audiences to her relentlessly optimistic and caring character.

The film also features young talent, Haley Lu Richardson as Maci and Dylan Gelula as Danyelle, who are two of the waitresses at the bar. Maci is an upbeat and kindhearted girl while Danyelle exhibits a more skeptical, down-to-earth demeanor. Both have their fair share of hardships but handle them with a unique blend of humor and grit, making their characters relatable and believable.

Over a course of a single day, Lisa's challenges culminate into one after another which test her management skills and patience. She aims to keep everything on track, despite the numerous hurdles that run the gamut from the restaurant's difficult owner to an attempted robbery. The 'day in the life' premise of the film allows audiences to empathize with Lisa's struggles and victories, serving as a testament to the resilience of all working women.

Support the Girls is not just a testament to the resilience of its characters but also offers a bittersweet perspective on sisterhood and solidarity in the face of adversity. The camaraderie between Lisa, Maci, and Danyelle is uplifting, and the familial bonds they form provide a heartening counterpoint to the challenges they face at work.

The beauty of "Support the Girls" comes from its ability to portray the realities of a working-class existence without romanticizing them or resorting to cliches. It is a tale about women who face hard and unfair circumstances but continue to show up, back one another up, and try their best to make the most out of the uncertain situations. It's a narrative filled with authenticity and sensitivity.

The director, Andrew Bujalski, has effectively captured the milieu of rundown sports bars and their overworked staff, using them as background players in a wider commentary about labor, commercial sexual exploitation, friendship, and the ways women look out for each other in a world that often feels indifferent to their struggles. The screenplay is sharp, the humor is impactful, but it's the emotional moments that resonate the most and stay with the viewer after the movie is over.

Cinematically, Bujalski and his crew make excellent use of locations, allowing the Texas landscape and the interiors of the Double Whammies to communicate as much about the characters' lives as the script does. The camera work and choice of visuals subtly elevate the storytelling without distracting from the solid performances and well-paced narrative.

"Support the Girls" is clever, funny, and often insightful, but most of all, it's a tribute to the unsung heroines of the service industry. It does not serve an overly dramatic plotline but rather prefers to rely on character development and interactions to drive the story forward.

This film showcases Hall's acting capabilities as she effortlessly carries the weight of the narrative on her shoulders, bringing life to her character and encapsulating the essence of the entire production. Richardson and Gelula also deliver commendable performances, bringing depth and complexity to their characters.

To sum up, Support the Girls is a triumph of independent cinema, meandering through the love, loss, laughs, and solidarity of working women, defined less by their jobs than their resilience. It explores their strength, endurance, and unwavering optimism, making it an essential watch for viewers seeking a heartfelt narrative about formidable women.