Girls will be Girls is amazing but it is not Indian (foreign characters with Indian masks)
SPOILER ALERT
This movie is absolutely amazing. It would have been a 5/5 MUST WATCH if not for one part that takes things too far, making it hard to recommend. People might misinterpret it and think I’m some kind of weirdo.
I understood that the mother was starving for attention due to her misogynistic husband and the daughter siding with him, which fractured their relationship. Plus, the mother had a rebellious streak in her youth. So, when the charming boyfriend finally gives her attention, she falls for his manipulation.
It would have been great if the movie left it at that; focusing on the young daughter overthinking the dynamic between her mother and her boyfriend. But the mother actually sleeping in the same bed with him, caring for him, and then doing it again while closing the door (I get it; she did it so he wouldn’t sneak out) went too far. This is where the problem with the Indianness of the film comes into play.
The movie isn’t really Indian, it’s just set in India with an Indian cast. The director is an NRI, and I don’t think she fully understands Indian parents. Considering the phones used, the movie seems to be set in the early 2000s. I know some cool moms from that era, but none would cross that line. Also, another scene that adds to this.
The film feels like it was made for a foreign audience. It’s shot in English and starts with a premise about conservative Indian schooling and moral policing—concepts white audiences are familiar with. But then it veers into parenting dynamic relatable to white people. This disconnect is where the film stops working for me.
It’s such a shame because it was so, so close to being perfect. Many Indians (mainly women) would be able to relate to some parts of the film but I don't think there's anyone in India who can relate to all parts of the film.
PS- I am a guy, so maybe there's something I didn't really understand.
Edit: For the first time I am hearing about a teacher's day celebration where students dress like teachers and the entire administration leaves the school on the hands of children. I am not sure about this.