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Charlene is a coming-of-age drama film released in 2020 directed by Mitzi Peirone. The movie follows the story of a young woman named Charlene (played by Angela Hou) who is struggling to find her identity and sense of belonging in the world. Charlene is a high school dropout who has never quite fit in with her peers or felt comfortable in her own skin. She lives with her mother (played by Erin Carter) and stepfather (played by Kenny Kendawg) in a small town, where she spends her days working at a convenience store and dreaming of a better life.

Although Charlene has limited job prospects and no academic prospects, she possesses a rich artistic sensibility that is often overlooked. She loves to draw and is secretly working on a graphic novel that she hopes will one day be her ticket out of the town she despises. Her closest ally is her best friend Alex (played by Hasan Qureshi), who is openly gay and also struggles to find acceptance in their conservative hometown.

The movie tells the story of Charlene's journey towards self-discovery as she falls in love with a young man named Sam (played by Tanner Flood). Sam is an artist himself and encourages Charlene to take her talents seriously. He introduces her to a community of like-minded individuals who appreciate her unique perspective and artistic vision. Charlene finally begins to feel a sense of belonging as she connects with these newfound peers and becomes more confident in her own abilities.

However, Charlene's newfound confidence is threatened when she discovers that Sam is hiding a secret. As she struggles to come to terms with what she has learned about him, Charlene must also confront the reality that her own mother may not fully understand or accept her. The movie addresses themes of family, friendship, sexuality, and identity and how these aspects can impact our sense of self.

Angela Hou delivers a fantastic performance as Charlene, bringing depth and nuance to her character's struggles. She portrays the character with an honesty and vulnerability that make her relatable to anyone who has ever felt like they don't quite belong. Kenny Kendawg gives a standout performance as Charlene's stepfather, who may not always be the most sympathetic character, but whose motives and actions are ultimately driven by his desire to protect his family.

Hasan Qureshi brings a natural charisma to the role of Alex, Charlene's supportive best friend. He provides a steady stream of levity to the movie, balancing out the more dramatic moments of the film. Meanwhile, Tanner Flood is charming as Sam, evoking both the excitement and the uncertainty of first love.

Director Mitzi Peirone creates a visually stunning world for Charlene's story to unfold in. The erratic camera movements, experimental lighting, and surrealistic imagery all contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the movie. At times, the movie feels like a dream – both beautiful and unsettling. The soundtrack, which features songs by artists like The Knife and Toro y Moi, also helps to heighten the film's emotional impact.

Charlene is a movie that speaks to the experiences of many young people who are trying to find their place in the world. It is a poignant and moving story that is sure to resonate with audiences of all ages. While the movie addresses challenging themes, it is ultimately a hopeful and empowering story about the importance of embracing one's true self.

Charlene is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 56 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.