Movie Review – "God Help the Girl" presented by Amplify

Release Date: September 5, 2014

Running Time: 111 minutes

Grade: ★★★★★

Synopsis: Eve is a catastrophe—low on self esteem but high on fantasy, especially when it comes to music. Over the course of one Glasgow summer, she meets two similarly rootless souls, posh Cass and fastidious James, and together they form a pop group.

In God Help the Girl, writer/director Stuart Murdoch creates a poignant coming-of-age story that doubles as a sublime indie-pop musical from one of indie pop’s biggest songwriters. The project began as a suite of songs, written while Murdoch was between records and tours as lead singer of Belle & Sebastian. He nurtured it for nearly a decade into a fully formed film, set in the bohemian fantasia of Glasgow’s West End, which is populated by mods, rockers, and emo kids who have no qualms about breaking into song and dance. – Amplify Releasing

A modern day musical for the modern day, God Help the Girl is a must see for music lovers. Beginning with the opening frame, the anticipation of what was to come had me holding my breath. The film opens with a black screen, bantering voiceovers, and an air of mystery. My mind raced at the idea of what was supposed to be a musical kind of wasn’t. But patience prevailed … music fills the room as Eve (Emily Browning) escapes her bedroom with a skip in her step and a catchy song spilling from her lips. Eve captivates from the start with a beautiful voice belting out lyrics to describe her every mood. While not quite the songs I’m used to hearing from pop groups, I was able to relate.

The plot follows Eve and her yearning for a summer of something more. With no real drive, her head in the clouds, and melodies oozing from her every pore, Eve seemingly is a girl without a care. She meets a few folks along the way who add to her journey in music and love, and God Help the Girl hits the ground running with nothing but win. “So what makes a band then?”

The Players

l-r: James (Olly Alexander), Eve (Emily Browning), and Cassie (Hannah Murray)

First up in the band is James, played by the charismatic Olly Alexander. He sings like an angel, slaps like a girl (must see scene), and plays guitar like nobody’s business. I loved this character from the start. He’s quirky yet smart; outgoing though shy; and a lifeguard. “Calmly grab the ring and just swim back,” is what he says to a drowning victim—a major laugh out loud moment. His oddness is all a part of James’s charm, and just one of the things that keep him firmly planted in my mind long after leaving the theater. Alexander’s performance makes the film for me. He is beyond hilarious—“I like your knees”—and unforgettable.

Then there’s Cassie, portrayed with subtle humor by Hannah Murray. Cassie isn’t quite what I expected. As the youngest of the three, and the most inexperienced, I couldn’t help thinking Cassie knows more than she let on. Murray’s quiet demeanor gives her character a melancholy air, even though she exudes a shining abundance of confidence. I wanted to take Cassie under my wing and teach her a thing or two about life. She is a bit clueless at times but then she surprises you with wit and tact unbecoming of her teenage years.

I can’t forget about Anton (Pierre Boulanger), Eve’s love interest. Or the “eye candy” as Cassie dubs him. From the accent, cool looks, and swagger, it isn’t hard to pinpoint Anton’s role as the hero/anti-hero. You know the type: he is the epitome of confidence (douche bag), and has a quality about him that makes Eve (and every other girl around) want to be in his presence. I liked him, though I had a strong feeling I really shouldn’t.

What I Loved

The most surprising thing about God Help the Girl is the comedic aspect that comes out of nowhere. I was expecting dialogue, with musical interludes thrown in. What I got is a laugh out loud dance fest (yes, there’s choreography) I wanted to join. James has the best dialogue, hands down. Just about everything he utters made me laugh. I’m positive Alexander’s delivery has everything to do with that, and his knack for comedic timing.

Playing Dress Up

Eve and James dressed for a music lesson.

The costumes add to the overall feel of the film. I got a 70s vibe with a modern edge from the way the characters are outfitted. Eve’s style is right in line with mine. Cute dresses, short skirts, and funky hats became a characteristic readily identified as soon as Eve appeared on screen. I couldn’t help yelling (internally, of course) how much I wanted her outfit. The carefree sense of the film is heavily attributed to Eve’s outlook on her perfect summer experience. She does what she wants, when she wants, and always seems to get what she wants.

Can’t Have a Musical without Music

Music overshadows the actors as a major character. I cannot fathom how anyone viewing this film wouldn’t want to sing along to the songs or hop in the aisles to the imaginative dance numbers. It’s infectious. The singing isn’t to be outdone either. Alexander has an amazing voice: I could listen to him sing all day long. Browning has a sweet voice and wields it like a sword. She uses her gift as another way to explain Eve’s intricacies. Murray could work on her lip syncing a bit, but holds a tune fairly well.

Overall

I highly recommend God Help the Girl to anyone who loves musicals, writing that doesn’t come off as scripted, and a cast with great chemistry. This is one to add to your list of must see films of the year.

God Help the Girl is out now. Be sure to check it out! Here’s the trailer to whet your appetite:

For more information on the film, visit the official site.

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Elle

Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle