Cast
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Dakota Fanning
as Lilly Berger
Elizabeth Olsen
as Gerry
Boyd Holbrook
as David Avery
Demi Moore
as Kate
Richard Dreyfuss
as Danny
Ellen Barkin
as Norma Berger
Peter Sarsgaard
as Fitzsimmons
Clark Gregg
as Edward Berger
Kiernan Shipka
as Eleanor Berger
Clare Foley
as Phoebe Berger
Owen Campbell
as Karl
Roslyn Curry
as Joy
Lenny Platt
as Beach Boy
Crew
Director
- Naomi Foner
Writer
- Naomi Foner
Producer
- Norton Herrick
- Michael London
- Mary Jane Skalski
- Janice Williams
- Evan Herrick
- Howard Herrick
- Michael Herrick
Reviews
Reno
> Love triangle when the friendship is the only thing that's standing in between.
Is it about the good girls? Looks like that way until the summer break before these two friends get going for the freshman year college. So they decide to lose their virginity, but they both fall for a same boy. Their's long standing friendship will be tested, the remaining film tells who lose the bet and how.
Good cast, but the story was from the Lily's perspective that played by Dakota Fanning. The boy and Elizabeth Oslen were kind of in the support roles. A simple love triangle story, but the actings were good. 'Little Birds', 'Ginger & Rosa', 'Violet & Daisy', 'Ghost World', 'Thirteen' name it. This kind of two thick friends theme is quite popular, but mostly average ones like this.
Well, it was not one of those movies of the year that I was expecting, so enjoyed what it provided in a limited scale. A few times I was annoyed too, for the turns in the narration, but the way it ended compromised my overall thought. This is a decent coming-of-age movie, which is not worth to suggest anyone openly, but you can give it a try if you get a shot.
6½/10
Apr 24, 2016
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Very Good Girls 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 Naomi Foner 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 2013, 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 Very Good Girls took approximately 36 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 91 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 112 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1146 individual shots.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Very Good Girls shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Tomorrow Ever After, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Very Good Girls subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Boy Downstairs and Jesus' Son explore similar territory, Very Good Girls 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: January 22, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 31m
Where to Watch
