Inbetween Girl

Inbetween Girl is a coming-of-age romantic drama film that premiered on August 24, 2021. It is directed by Mei Makino and stars Emma Galbraith as the lead, with William Magnuson and Emily Garrett in supporting roles.

The movie follows the story of a high school student named Angie Chen (Emma Galbraith) who is navigating through the complexities of teenage life. Her father is a successful businessman who is always away on trips, and her mother is a working-class immigrant who is struggling to make ends meet. To make matters worse, Angie is caught in a love triangle between her longtime best friend, Liam (William Magnuson), and a popular jock named Jeff (Tanner Reckling). Angie feels torn between her loyalty to Liam and her attraction to Jeff, causing her to question her identity and her values.

As the storyline progresses, Angie seeks advice from her two best friends, one of whom is an outspoken feminist while the other is a devout Christian. Despite their different worldviews, they both offer valuable insights into her dilemma. Through her experiences with them, Angie realizes that she cannot simply choose between Liam and Jeff, nor can she fit into a specific role or category. Instead, she decides to embrace her individuality and pursue her own dreams.

One of the key themes of the movie is the concept of identity, particularly as it relates to race, gender, and sexuality. Angie is a biracial Asian-American who feels out of place in both the Asian and American communities. She also struggles with her sexuality, feeling attracted to both Liam and Jeff despite their different genders. Through her journey of self-discovery, Angie learns to accept herself for who she is and to reject societal expectations and stereotypes.

Another theme explored in the movie is the importance of communication in relationships. Angie and Liam have been best friends since childhood, yet their relationship becomes strained when they both develop romantic feelings for each other. Instead of talking to each other about their emotions, they both keep their feelings bottled up, causing misunderstandings and resentment. Similarly, Angie's relationship with Jeff suffers when they fail to communicate their expectations and boundaries.

The movie also tackles issues of class and privilege. Angie's mother works long hours at a nail salon, often putting her health at risk, while her father enjoys a life of luxury and comfort. Angie feels guilty about her family's financial struggles and worries about being judged by her wealthier peers. However, she also learns to appreciate the sacrifices her mother has made for her and to stand up for herself when she is belittled because of her background.

Overall, Inbetween Girl is a heartwarming and relatable coming-of-age story that captures the struggles and triumphs of adolescence. The performances by the cast, particularly Emma Galbraith, are impressive, and the cinematography and soundtrack add to the movie's emotional depth. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds or who is searching for their place in the world.