Watch Girls Like Magic

Girls Like Magic is a charming coming-of-age movie from 2017 that explores the lives of two young women in Los Angeles. Written and directed by Kit Williamson, the film tells the story of a struggling lesbian magician named Magic (Shantell Yasmine Abeydeera) and a former child star named Jamie (Dominic Adams) who form an unlikely friendship and help each other navigate the complexities of love and career in the entertainment industry.

The movie opens with Magic performing a magic trick at a party attended by Jamie and her new girlfriend, Robin (Silvia Baldassini). Jamie is instantly drawn to Magic's talent and charisma and strikes up a conversation with her, sparking a connection that quickly grows into a deep friendship. Over the course of the film, we watch as the two women confide in each other, support each other through various setbacks and romantic entanglements, and ultimately realize the importance of being true to themselves and their passions.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Girls Like Magic is its honest portrayal of the LGBT+ community, and the challenges that queer women face in pursuing their dreams and finding love. Magic struggles to break into the male-dominated world of magic and faces discrimination from her peers and potential romantic partners, while Jamie grapples with the pressures of being a former child star and a public figure. However, the film never feels preachy or heavy-handed in its messaging; rather, it presents these issues with a light touch and a sense of humor that makes the characters and their struggles feel relatable and endearing.

The performances in Girls Like Magic are uniformly strong, with Abeydeera and Adams displaying a genuine chemistry and warmth as Magic and Jamie, respectively. Abeydeera imbues Magic with a charisma and vulnerability that makes her struggles feel all the more poignant, while Adams brings a sly wit and an understated vulnerability to Jamie that make her a worthy counterpart to Magic's more flamboyant personality. Baldassini also shines as Robin, a character who initially seems like a one-dimensional love interest but eventually reveals surprising depth and complexity.

Another one of the film's strengths is its use of Los Angeles as a backdrop, with Williamson and cinematographer Jim Frohna capturing the city's vibrant energy and diversity in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. The film also incorporates a number of delightful cameos and supporting characters, including Magic's flamboyant best friend and confidant Chloe (Emily Goss), and Jamie's agent and mentor David (Lawrence Adimora).

Overall, Girls Like Magic is a touching and relatable film that should appeal to anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world, pursued a creative passion, or formed a deep connection with someone unexpected. While it may not break any new ground in terms of storytelling or style, it is a well-crafted and entertaining movie that deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

Girls Like Magic is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.