Watch A Girl Like Her
- PG-13
- 2015
- 1 hr 31 min
-
7.0 (7,431)
A Girl Like Her is a gripping movie about peer pressure and bullying in high school. It was released in 2015 and features fantastic performances from Lexi Ainsworth, Hunter King, and Jimmy Bennett. The story centers around a teenage girl named Jessica Burns (played by Ainsworth), who is tormented and bullied by her classmate Avery Keller (King). Jessica is a straight-A student and has a loving family, but her life is turned upside down by Avery's relentless bullying. The movie is filmed in a mockumentary style, with hidden cameras capturing the events as they unfold.
The movie starts with Jessica attempting suicide, and then the events leading up to it are depicted through the footage captured by a friend, named Brian (played by Bennett), who wore a hidden camera to school. The footage shows Avery's bullying becoming increasingly cruel over time, and depicts the emotional turmoil that Jessica goes through as a victim of bullying. Avery's behavior is beyond a simple 'mean girl' persona, as she is seen obsessively harassing Jessica in ways that escalate throughout the movie.
The documentary-style of the movie allows the audience to get a closer look at the realistic aspects of bullying in high school. It shows how students can become complicit in their silence when it comes to bullying and how difficult it can be for someone to stand up to their tormentors. It is not only the hero of the film who faces problems but also their families and the teachers who have difficulty figuring out how to intervene.
The movie showcases the effects of bullying throughout high school aged kids more candidly than many other films of this nature. The character Jessica's sadness and fear are palpable in a way that's deeply moving. The actorsâ performances are commendable, especially the two leads. Both Ainsworth and King deliver outstanding performances that feel authentic in every sense of the word.
Avery's character is the main source of conflict throughout the film. She is given a backstory that explains why she behaves in the way that she does. However, it doesn't excuse the cruelty with which she torments Jessica. Her character is a reflection of the harsh reality of teenage bullying, an aspect of the story which makes it even more difficult to watch.
The supporting cast is also noteworthy, as they provide Jessica with ally characters who help her through her ordeal. Her best friend, Brian, is initially bullied by Avery, but he eventually becomes an integral character in helping Jessica expose the truth about her bullying. The dynamics between the characters are emotive and provide a genuine connection with the audience, making it easier to feel sympathy for their plight.
The movie offers a message of hope, showing that it is possible to take action against bullying. The resolution of the film is satisfying and hopeful, encouraging viewers to be brave in the face of adversity. It compels the audience to be kind, to stand up for what is right, and to help those who may be struggling in silence.
The movie also portrays the idea that the effects of bullying extend far beyond the perpetrators or the victims. It shows how bullying affects family, friends, and communities as a whole. It is a thought-provoking film that lingers with the viewer long after it is over.
In conclusion, A Girl Like Her is an emotional and thought-provoking movie that skillfully depicts the harsh reality of high school bullying. The filmâs story, anchored by an exceptional cast, offers a candid view of the harsh realities of teenage life. It shows how even the most perfect life can be turned upside down by bullies and how difficult it can be to fight back. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand better the impact bullying can have on individuals, and its realistic portrayal will resonate with anyone who has experienced such a problem.
A Girl Like Her is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 54.