Girl Flu. (2016)

Girl Flu. Poster

Bird, a smart level-headed tween, and her immature stoner mom gracelessly navigate the arrival of Bird's first period, which she gets on the last day of school… in front of the entire class.

Movie Summary
"Woman Influenza" is a coming-of-age film launched in 2016, composed and directed by Dorie Barton. The movie focuses on Bird, an aware, sensitive and precocious 12-year-old girl who is battling with her transition into womanhood, alongside grappling with her mom's extended adolescence.

Plot Summary
Bird, played by Jade Pettyjohn, deals with her free-spirited mother Jenny (Katee Sackhoff) in Los Angeles. Whatever changes when Bird gets her very first duration while offering lemonade. Embarrassed and puzzled, she determines that she can stop her period if she does not act like a grown lady.

Her dismissive mom is of no help, choosing instead to throw a "moon celebration" to celebrate Bird's maturation-- versus her will. It is a celebration with all female invitees where different explicit period-related and sex-ed conversations occur that more distress Bird.

In the shadow of her mother's antics and carelessness, Bird starts seeking solace from others. She confides in her grandpa, who does not grasp the womanly subtleties of adolescence, and her mother's practical partner Arlo (Jeremy Sisto).

Arlo manages to rather balance out Jenny's dictatorial style and uses candid guidance, assisting Bird browse this confusing period of her life. Bird likewise discovers assistance from her buddy, Luna, when the pair attend a school sex education class together.

Character Development
Throughout the film, Bird gradually develops, ending up being more independent while still preserving her youthful appeal. Jenny, on the other hand, through the procedure of Bird's change, begins recognizing her own malfunctioning method towards motherhood, which is a result of her rejection to mature herself.

Even as Bird withstands the physical and psychological strain of her transition, she also maneuvers the instability, chaos, and complexity of her mother's life and character. Through the candid and layered relationship in between Bird and Jenny, "Girl Flu" depicts a naturalistic viewpoint on first durations, mother-daughter dynamics, generational gaps, family complexities, and coming-of-age experiences.

Themes and Reception
"Girl Flu" skillfully presents an unique, amusing, yet touching narrative on female puberty, motherhood, and familial relationships. It checks out the discomfort, confusion, and humiliations associated with adolescence, along with the substantial function of a mother in directing her child through these awkward stages of life.

The film's relatable plot, outstanding efficiencies, and Dorie Barton's authentic writing and instructions have amassed positive reviews. Katee Sackhoff's representation of a problematic and irregular, yet caring and intricate mother is particularly applauded, as is Jade Pettyjohn's sensitive and mature efficiency as Bird.

Ultimately, "Girl Flu" is a heartfelt film taking a look at the trials and tribulations of maturing, highlighting the confusion of teenage years and the often-calamitous relationship between mothers and children. It serves as a thoughtful contribution to the coming-of-age category, showcasing the intricacies of maturation and the requirement of assistance, love, and understanding throughout such transitional durations.

Top Cast

  • Katee Sackhoff (small)
    Katee Sackhoff
    Jenny
  • Jade Pettyjohn (small)
    Jade Pettyjohn
    Bird
  • Jeremy Sisto (small)
    Jeremy Sisto
    Arlo
  • Heather Matarazzo (small)
    Heather Matarazzo
    Lilli
  • Judy Reyes (small)
    Judy Reyes
    Celeste
  • Diego Josef (small)
    Diego Josef
    Carlos
  • Isabella Acres (small)
    Isabella Acres
    Rachel
  • Jonah Beres (small)
    Jonah Beres
    Ben
  • Jovan Armand (small)
    Jovan Armand
    Dominic
  • Elizabeth Gracen (small)
    Elizabeth Gracen
    Ellen
  • O-Lan Jones (small)
    O-Lan Jones
    Mona