Watch Riot Girls

In the post-apocalyptic world of 1995, the adult population has been wiped out by a deadly virus leaving only teenagers surviving. In the town of Potter's Bluff, the strong and ruthless gang, the Titans, have claimed control and the weaker gang, the Eastsiders, must submit to them to survive. But when the Titans kidnap the Eastsiders’ leader, Jack, who is also a skilled mechanic, the town is plunged into further chaos.

Enter the Riot Girls, a band of girls who have been fighting against the Titans for years, led by Scratch (Madison Iseman) and her best friend Nat (Paloma Kwiatkowski). The Riot Girls are determined to rescue Jack and free the Eastsiders from the Titans' rule.

In the film, we see the conflict between both groups escalating as the Titans make their demands known. The film is a visually striking tale of teenage rebellion and resistance, with elements of coming-of-age and romance.

Though the fight between the two groups engages our attention, at the core of the story is the bond between the two best friends, Scratch and Nat, and their unwavering determination to protect their family and friends. Despite their high stakes situation, the girls manage to maintain a sense of humor, making the film more accessible to younger audiences.

The cast of Riot Girls deliver strong performances, led by Madison Iseman who projects confidence as the tough and charismatic Scratch. Paloma Kwiatkowski’s performance is equally impressive, as she captures the essence of Nat’s vulnerability and bravery, making her a scene-stealer. Munro Chambers who plays Jeremy the Titans’ leader is chilling, his performance is cold and terrifying, making him a terrific antagonist for the film.

Along with the talented cast, the film has an imaginative visual style that fully explores its retro-punk aesthetic. The cinematography is engaging and versatile, using lighting and camera angles to highlight the distinct and striking design of the film. The soundtrack, composed by Mondo Boys, is also spot on, with its electro-analog sound that reenergizes classic punk elements.

The dystopian world created by director Jovanka Vuckovic feels instantly engaging and wholly original. She manages to create an epic world with limited resources, making it feel as broad as it is intimate. The film excels in its attention to detail, with many elements of the world building even hidden in the set designs that create a rich and immersive experience.

In conclusion, Riot Girls is a thrilling and fun film that boasts a talented cast, strong characters, and solid action. It is visually compelling, exciting, and emotionally resonating, making it a highlight of the genre. It’s a must-watch for fans of coming-of-age films, post-apocalyptic dystopias, and of course punk rock.

Riot Girls is a 2019 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6 and a MetaScore of 59.