Watch Going On 13

Going On 13 is a compelling and honest coming-of-age documentary that follows four young girls from San Francisco over the course of four years, as they navigate the trials and tribulations of growing up. The film explores the complex emotional and psychological landscape of adolescence, depicting the girls' experiences with gender, race, class, family, friendships, and self-discovery.

The four girls at the center of the film are Jasmine, Joy, Kiki, and Sergent. Each girl has a unique personality and background, and the documentary is careful to grant each of them ample screen time and attention. Jasmine is a shy and sensitive girl who struggles with anxiety and depression, but finds solace and strength in writing and performing poetry. Joy is a confident and outspoken girl who is passionate about social justice, and who sometimes clashes with her conservative mother over her beliefs. Kiki is a free-spirited and rebellious girl who frequently challenges authority and pushes boundaries, but who also deeply loves her family and friends. Sergent is the youngest of the four girls, and is still finding her way in the world; she is playful, curious, and sometimes insecure, but also fiercely independent and imaginative.

The film is structured in a series of vignettes that capture key moments in each girl's life over the course of four years. We watch as Jasmine struggles with her mental health, including an episode of self-harm that she bravely shares with her friends. We see Joy grapple with questions of identity and belonging, especially as she enters high school and has to confront racism and sexism. We witness Kiki's journey of self-discovery as she explores her sexuality and confronts the impact of gentrification on her neighborhood. And we observe Sergent's growth and development as she learns to communicate her feelings and assert her boundaries.

Throughout the film, the girls are supported by a network of adults who serve as mentors, advocates, and sources of love and guidance. These adults include family members, teachers, community organizers, and artists who offer the girls wisdom and mentorship. We see how these relationships help the girls grow and thrive, and how the girls reciprocate with their own acts of kindness and generosity.

One of the strengths of Going On 13 is its unflinching honesty and authenticity. The filmmakers, Dawn Valadez and Kristy Guevara-Flanagan, do not shy away from difficult topics or uncomfortable emotions. They allow the girls to speak their minds and express their feelings without judgment or condescension, and they trust viewers to empathize with the girls' struggles and triumphs. The film also does an excellent job of exploring the intersectional aspects of the girls' identities, from their racial and ethnic backgrounds to their family dynamics to their socioeconomic status. By foregrounding these complexities, the film avoids simplistic stereotypes and presents a nuanced portrait of each girl's life.

Another strength of the film is its impressive visual style. The filmmakers use a combination of vérité footage, interviews, and animation to create a textured and dynamic visual experience. They also experiment with different camera angles, lighting, and sound design to convey each girl's emotional state and perspective. The result is a cinematic documentary that is both beautiful and insightful.

In conclusion, Going On 13 is a powerful and poignant documentary that offers a glimpse into the lives of four young girls as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. The film is heartfelt, authentic, and visually stunning, and it provides a valuable window into the experiences of young people growing up in diverse and complex communities. Whether you are a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in the human experience, Going On 13 is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression.

Going On 13 is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes.