Blanca Engström is mesmerizing as title character in moving Swedish drama
THE GIRL (FLICKAN) (Fredrik Edfeldt, 2009)
Cinema Village
22 East 12h St. between Fifth Ave. & University Pl.
Opens Friday, September 17
212-924-3363
www.olivefilms.com
www.cinemavillage.com
When her parents and older brother go to Africa without her, an unnamed ten-year-old girl (Blanca Engström) must grow up fast in her small Swedish hometown. The girl was supposed to travel with her family to help people in need in Africa, but when it is discovered at the very last minute that she is too young, her mother (Annika Hallin) and father (Shanti Roney) decide to head out on their mission anyway, leaving their daughter in the hands of the mother’s untrustworthy sister, Anna (Tova Magnusson-Norling), who drinks and parties a lot and soon takes off to spend time with her lover, leaving the girl alone. At first the girl is able to fend for herself, but as more time passes, troubles begin to build and danger awaits. Written by Karin Arrhenius and directed by first-timer Fredrik Edfeldt, THE GIRL is a compelling, unusual coming-of-age film; it is not about a girl exploring her burgeoning sexuality, nor is it the story of a shy girl emerging from her shell. Instead, it’s a moving, believable tale of one young girl learning that she’s not always going to be able to rely on adults, a harsh lesson for any child. Nearly all the grown-ups in the film, from her aunt and parents to one of her friend’s fathers (Leif Andrée), never fully understand the girl’s needs and wants, making wrong assumptions that result in far too much for her to handle on her own. Engström is mesmerizing as the young girl, often convincing the audience of her vast abilities until it once again becomes clear that she is only ten years old, a far cry from being able to take care of herself. THE GIRL is a small gem.