Genre: Comedy

Director and Writer: Dorie Barton

Cast: Jade Pettyjohn, Katee Sackhoff, Jeremy Sisto, Heather Matarazzo, and Judy Reyes

Studio: Extracurricular Entertainment

Runtime: 93 Minutes

Rated: NR

Screening Dates:

Mill Valley: Friday, October 7 at 6:00 pm at Sequoia 2; Monday, October 10 at 10:00 am at Rafael 2 where Jade Pettyjohn and Dorie Barton will be in attendance; Tuesday, October 11 at 4:45 pm at Century Larkspur where Jade Pettyjohn and Dorie Barton will be in attendance

Woodstock: Friday, October 14 at 10:45 am at Upstate Films, Woodstock; Saturday, October 15 at 8:45 pm at Upstate Films II, Rhinebeck

One of the harshest realities one can face in life is the fact that they have to grow up. Childhood can’t last forever and sooner or later, one has to take on the responsibilities of becoming an adult. Many films tackle this theme but few do it in a way that’s as down-to-earth and honest as Girl Flu is.

The film, written and directed by Dorie Barton in her directorial debut, tells the story of 12-year-old Bird (Jade Pettyjohn) who, after dealing with a recent move to Echo Park, California, has her first menstrual cycle in front of her entire class. When her mother, Jenny (Katee Sackhoff), seems to be of no help during this difficult time, Bird seeks advice from other family members and friends as she struggles to cope with the fact that she’s becoming a woman.

Katee Sackhoff as Jenny and Jade Pettyjohn as Bird

Barton makes a strong debut with Girl Flu as she delivers a film that is funny, sweet, and relatable. Despite the central plot focusing on a young girl dealing with her first period, this film is one that everyone can relate to regardless of gender or age. Barton manages to capture the confusion and awkwardness of going through puberty in a way that feels real. Girl Flu’s script is never mean-spirited; Barton could easily have made Bird the butt of the jokes with everyone laughing at her misfortune, but instead, we laugh and empathize with Bird throughout the film.

Bird Learning A Lesson

The script would be wasted, though, if the entire cast weren’t up to par and but luckily, everyone gives great performances. Pettyjohn is flawless as Bird; she is an expert at making her character feel authentic. The chemistry she shares with Sackhoff is fantastic. These two act like a real mother and daughter. One scene, in particular, that showcases their talents is when Jenny instructs Bird how to use a tampon. It’s awkward and embarrassing but genuine and funny.

Jeremy Sisto’s performance as Jenny’s boyfriend Arlo is also noteworthy. He’s charming and his deadpan humor is hilarious. The scenes he shares with Pettyjohn are easily the best in the film as the two share great

Bird and Arlo Have A Heart To Heart

comedic chemistry.

Girl Flu isn’t without its flaws. A few scenes have some choppy editing that feels jarring; a subplot involving Bird’s bullies feels unnecessary as it leads to no conclusion; but the worst is what one of the characters does in the last act. I won’t give details due to spoilers but someone does something that results in them being completely unlikeable. Afterwards, I found that it compromises their character as a whole and it becomes hard to care for this person.

Even with these shortcomings, Girl Flu is a fantastic debut from Barton. It’s a refreshingly honest tale about leaving childhood behind and dealing with becoming an adult. I definitely recommend you take the time to watch Girl Flu.

Website: www.girlflu.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/girlflumovie

Twitter: www.twitter.com/girlflumovie

Instagram: www.instagram.com/girlflu

All photos © 2016 Extracurricular Entertainment, LL. All Rights Reserved.