Shuchi Talati’s directorial debut “Girls Will Be Girls” resonates with an authenticity that immediately transports viewers back to their teenage years. The film, which premiered at Sundance 2024 and is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, captures the delicate dance of adolescence with a poetic sensitivity that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Shot over 45 days in Uttarakhand by cinematographer Jih-E Peng, the film’s visual language enhances its intimate storytelling. Talati’s decision to employ a predominantly female crew results in a perspective that feels authentically feminine without being performatively so. While the film tackles serious themes – including gender politics in educational institutions and the vulnerability of young women in positions of authority – it never loses sight of its central character’s emotional journey. A confrontation during Teacher’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges facing young women who dare to lead, while also highlighting the vital importance of maternal support they need.
As someone who has experienced boarding school firsthand, I was struck by the film’s ability to capture the subtle, intimate moments that define teenage life. Through the story of Mira (played with remarkable vulnerability by newcomer Preeti Panigrahi), we witness the careful orchestration of stolen glances in corridors, the electric anticipation of brief encounters, and the weight of responsibility that comes with leadership positions. The sweet distribution scene, where Mira’s mother Anila celebrates on campus despite Mira’s embarrassment after it is announced her daughter would be head prefect, perfectly captures the endearing yet sometimes strained dynamics between parent and child.
What sets this coming-of-age narrative apart is its nuanced exploration of the mother-daughter relationship. Kani Kusruti as Anila delivers a performance that reminded me of countless parents that I’ve observed during school-visits– hovering between protection and permission, pride and anxiety. The way she knows exactly what her daughter is going through – especially because she is an alumna of the school herself – adds remarkable depth to their relationship.

Talati’s direction shines in her masterful handling of sensory experiences, particularly in scenes that capture the electricity of first love. A standout sequence features Mira in the shower, exploring her own touch while imagining Srinivas (Kesav Binoy Kiron) – a moment that could have felt voyeuristic and exploitative but instead achieves a rare combination of innocence and awakening. Panigrahi’s performance is a revelation, conveying volumes through subtle changes in expression, from tentative desire to raw vulnerability.
The film excels in depicting gender dynamics in educational spaces. When Mira faces harassment as acting principal for a day, the scene builds tension masterfully, highlighting the unique challenges faced by young women in leadership positions. Her subsequent phone call to her mother, filled with fear and vulnerability, becomes a pivotal moment in their relationship. Talati and her cinematographer capture the sensory landscape of adolescence beautifully, particularly in the stargazing scene between Mira and Srinivas where astronomy becomes a metaphor for discovery. The way touch is portrayed – whether in moments of desire or comfort – speaks to how heightened every physical sensation feels during adolescence.
The film’s conclusion, showing Mira oiling her mother’s hair while tears flow in silence, serves as a powerful metaphor for the cyclical nature of care and understanding between generations. This simple yet profound gesture encapsulates the film’s core themes of growth, reconciliation, and the unspoken bonds between mother and daughter.
While the film has garnered significant acclaim, including multiple awards at Sundance and MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, its true achievement lies in how it makes the specific feel universal while maintaining its cultural authenticity. “Girls Will Be Girls” is more than just another coming-of-age story – it’s a tender portrait of adolescent awakening that respects the complexity of young emotions while acknowledging the delicate ecosystem of relationships that shape our journey to adulthood. For anyone who has experienced boarding-school life, first love, or the complex dance of parent-child relationships, this film will feel like reading pages from their own diary, albeit more poetic than what they could have managed at that age.
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