Cast
View AllDana Herfurth
as Nore
Luna Jordan
as Jonna
Vera Fay
as Young Nore
Jakob Geßner
as Michel
Johann von Bülow
as Joseph
Campbell Caspary
as Felix
Kjell Brutscheidt
as Bruno
Yann Mbiene
as August
Manolo Bertling
as Sherif
Marcel Heupermann
as Justus
Laeni Geiseler
as Young Jonna
Vivian Mahler
as Justina
Laurenz Lerch
as Kalle
Andreas Nickl
as Steffan
Johanna Pauline Brandt
as Lisann
Crew
Director
- Hille Norden
Writer
- Hille Norden
Producer
- Paula Lichte
- Anette Unger
- Sven Rudat
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Smalltown Girl examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Hille Norden brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2025, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Smalltown Girl took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 158 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 50 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2025, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Artificial intelligence was becoming increasingly integrated into daily life and creative industries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Smalltown Girl shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Between My Mother's Legs, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Smalltown Girl subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Water on Mars and Carrie explore similar territory, Smalltown Girl stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 4, 2025
- Runtime: 1h 50m