Extra Geography review
Sundance film festival: two teenage girls find their friendship put to the test in a witty and charmingly odd British comedy
TL;DR
- The film focuses on the intense friendship between two adolescent girls, Minna and Flic, at an English boarding school.
- Their friendship is characterized by deep intimacy, shared goals (Oxbridge), and a playful, synchronous dynamic.
- A subplot involves the girls attempting to 'fall in love' with their geography teacher, Miss Delavigne, to appear 'worldly' for a summer play.
- The central conflict arises from Minna's dominance and success, which sparks envy and fuels Flic's desire to win Miss Delavigne's affection, leading to budding same-sex attractions.
- The film explores the fine line between friendship and rivalry, collaboration and competition, and how societal pressures affect young girls.
- The performances of Galaxie Clear (Minna) and Marni Duggan (Flic) are praised for their nuanced portrayal of the characters' evolving emotions and motivations.
- The ending suggests that while the friendship may not survive young adulthood, the experience will be unforgettable and lead to recovery.