By Keeva Stratton
Based on the graphic novel by Phoebe Glockner, The Diary of a Teenage Girl is frank, honest and at times really uncomfortable viewing. But, there’s a magical truth in this story that will resonate for many.
Having just lost her virginity, fifteen-year-old Minnie begins a journey of self and sexual discovery, which she records on cassette tape. The year is 1976 and the sexual revolution is in full swing, but the mistakes and the heady hormones that define this journey are equally familiar today.
What is perhaps less familiar is the subject of this hedonism. Minnie is sleeping with her Mum’s boyfriend, Monroe (Alexander Skarsgård), who at thirty-five is clearly indulging his desires inappropriately. Part of her knows this—he certainly does—but the lure of serving her exploding hormones leads her back time and again.
For Minnie, Monroe gives her the opportunity to learn about sex from someone well versed. Her encounters with other teenagers are less satisfying, drawing her back to him despite the consequences if found out and despite her growing unease with his intentions.
An aspiring artist, Minnie draws comics to help her make sense of her experiences and the world around her. It provides the film with the perfect tool to illustrate—literally—her evolving view of the characters in her life.
And, as her view of the world evolves, so does she. Despite being vulnerable to those wanting to take advantage of her, Minnie gains real strength from her mishaps and (echoing a story common to many women) is ultimately forged by them.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is in many ways a powerful film. It carries a strong view of female empowerment, taking experiences that have been traditionally associated with weakness, or that carry a sense of foreboding, and instead revealing the strength they ultimately provide.
The performances are outstanding. Bel Powley takes on the challenging lead role and does so flawlessly, and Alexander Skarsgård is able to transform himself from rouge heartthrob to aged creep across the span of just over 100 minutes—no easy task.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a film that brutally and brilliantly captures the transition from girlhood to womanhood in all its flawed, messy glory. It offers little commentary on the morals at play, but rather eschews its judgement in light of a much more important aim—to offer a lens through which other young women can see their own journeys.
In a world that so often reinforces a male view of puberty and early sexuality,
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a film that’s as revolutionary as the graphic novel from which it originates.
Directed by: Marielle Heller
Starring: Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgård, Kristen Wiig
Rating: MA15+
Runtime: 102mins
Release Date: 24 September
Reviewer rating: 4/5