Watch Damsels in Distress
- PG-13
- 2012
- 1 hr 39 min
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5.8 (10,076)
Damsels in Distress is a unique and quirky comedy from 2011 that follows the amusing lives of a group of young women attending a fictional college called Seven Oaks. The movie is directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Whit Stillman and features an impressive cast that includes Greta Gerwig, Adam Brody, and Lio Tipton. The movie introduces us to the main character, a witty and intelligent college student named Violet, played by Greta Gerwig. Violet leads a group of young women who are determined to revolutionize the social scene at Seven Oaks. Violet is an eccentric character who believes that dance and proper hygiene can solve all of the world's problems. She also aims to help the oppressed men at Seven Oaks who she feels very sorry for. She likes to pass on her knowledge to the younger generation of girls, and these include Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke), Heather (Carrie MacLemore), and Lily (Analeigh Tipton).
As the movie progresses, we see the girls struggling with different issues that come with their college life. They face the typical dilemmas of love, heartbreak, betrayal, and self-discovery. The movie intertwines different narrative threads, each with its own brand of humor and quirkiness. The subplots are very engaging and make for an entertaining watch.
One of the main subplots in the movie is about the girls' attempts to save their depressed male counterparts at Seven Oaks. They focus their attention on Charlie (Brody), a transfer student who has been struggling with suicidal thoughts since being dumped by his girlfriend. The girls take Charlie under their wing and give him nonsensical but well-meaning advice on how to win his girlfriend back. They even start a new dance craze they call "the Sambola" to make him feel better. At first, Charlie is skeptical of Violet's ideas but gradually comes to appreciate her quirky approach to life.
Another subplot revolves around the arrival of a new transfer student, Lily. She is a breath of fresh air in the group, but her presence causes some tension between her and Violet. Lily is curious, outgoing, and daring, and her arrival shakes up the group's dynamic. The movie explores Lily's journey of self-discovery, as well as her relationship with the other girls in the group.
The movie has a playful and vibrant atmosphere, and the dialogue is witty and clever throughout. The humor is both absurd and subtle, and some scenes are genuinely laugh-out-loud funny. What makes Damsels in Distress unique is stillman's unique and quirky perspective on life, creating a bizarre yet engaging world onscreen. The movie does not take itself too seriously, but its message about the importance of kindness, empathy, and a good dance number is heart-warming and feel-good.
The movie also features stunning cinematography, capturing the campus and surroundings in a captivating way. The soundtrack is fun, featuring catchy songs like 'Do It for Our Country' and 'Lose That Boy.' The music elevates the movie's spirit and adds to the overall enjoyment of the movie.
Overall, Damsels in Distress is a witty and offbeat comedy that will not be everyone's cup of tea but is worth watching for its fresh take on college life, its memorable characters, and its humorous plot. Stillman's eccentric view on life and his unconventional approach to storytelling might be challenging at times, but ultimately, the movie's charm overcomes any flaw. The movie's central theme of finding happiness through the power of positivity and a good dance number is timeless and refreshing in today's world.
Damsels in Distress is a 2012 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 67.