The Secret Life of Girls

The Secret Life of Girls is a drama film that focuses on a group of teenagers and their evolving relationships during one summer. The story takes place in a small town in the United States and follows the lives of a group of friends who are navigating their way through adolescence. The film stars Lily Collins as 16-year-old Tina, who is struggling to come to terms with her parents' recent separation.

Tina spends most of her time with her friends, including her best friend, Kara, played by newcomer Violet Collins. The two girls have been friends for years and share everything with each other. However, their friendship is put to the test when Kara begins to hang out with a new group of friends, including some boys, and begins to dress differently and act more grown-up.

As the summer progresses, tensions rise between Tina and Kara, and their group of friends becomes increasingly fractured. Tina begins to feel left out and insecure, especially when she sees Kara getting closer to a boy that she has a crush on. Meanwhile, Kara is struggling with her own feelings and desires, and begins to question her own identity and where she fits in with her friends.

The film also explores the experiences of the other girls in the group, including Hailey, who is dealing with an absent father, and Maggie, who is struggling with body image issues. All of the girls are grappling with various issues, from sexual identity to family problems to school pressures, and each of them is trying to find their way in the world.

The movie is directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Shana Feste, who is known for her work on films like The Greatest and Country Strong. The screenplay for The Secret Life of Girls was written by Feste and Megan Holley, who also wrote the screenplay for Sunshine Cleaning.

The film has been praised for its realistic and nuanced portrayal of teenage life, and for its depiction of the complexities of female friendship. Collins and Violet Collins (who are not related) have also received praise for their performances, with many critics noting their chemistry as best friends.

Overall, The Secret Life of Girls is an engaging and thought-provoking film that explores the challenges and conflicts of growing up as a teenage girl. It offers a fresh and honest perspective on the experiences of young women, and provides a powerful reminder of the importance of friendship, even in the toughest of times.