This musical is completely charming in an ’80s way. It’s got good DNA…written and directed by Stuart Murdoch of Belle & Sebastian and produced by Barry Mendel of Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, among many others…and some of that whimsical style comes through. But this is no homage…it’s its own thing, and it was an official selection at the 2014 Sundance, Berlin and SXSW Film Festivals. Fun fact: The actors — Emily Browning (Sleeping Beauty, Sucker Punch), Olly Alexander (Le Week-End, Bright Star) and Hannah Murray (“Game of Thrones,” “Skins”) — did their own singing and dancing, giving the musical scenes a compelling authenticity…just part of what makes this a must-see.
Eve (Browning) is a catastrophe—low on self-esteem but high on fantasy, especially when it comes to music. Over the course of one Glasgow summer, she meets two similarly rootless souls: posh Cass (Murray) and fastidious James (Alexander), and together they form a pop group.
In God Help the Girl, writer/director Stuart Murdoch creates a poignant coming-of-age story that doubles as a sublime indie pop musical from one of indie pop’s biggest songwriters. The project began as a suite of songs, written while Murdoch was in between records and tours as lead singer of Belle and Sebastian. He nurtured it for nearly a decade into a fully formed film, set in the bohemian fantasia of Glasgow’s West End, which is populated by mods, rockers, and emo kids who have no qualms about breaking into song and dance.
While a treat for the eyes, thanks to the candy-colored cinematography, as well as the ears, thanks to Murdoch’s undeniable gift for crafting fantastic songs, it’s the top-notch cast that delivers the film. Star turns from Browning (Sleeping Beauty, Sucker Punch), Alexander (Le Week-End, Bright Star) and Murray (“Game of Thrones,” “Skins”) elevate what might have been an exercise in twee to an emotional, heartfelt film that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
God Help The Girl
Musical, drama, romance – NR – 111 min – Tickets $8– Get tickets online
Fri, September 12: 8:00 p.m.
Sat, September 13: 8:00 p.m.
Sun, September 14: 5:30 p.m.
Mon, September 15: 8:00 p.m.
Tues, September 16: 8:00 p.m.
Wed, September 17: 8:00 p.m.
Thurs, September 18: 8:00 p.m.
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