Girl

During the Fantastic Fest virtual festival, we had the opportunity to discover many films some more or less convincing. Girl written and directed by Chad Faust is certainly one of the highlights of this edition. Seasoned actor having played in numerous series (Smallville, the 4400, CSI Miami, CSI NY, Cold case, House...) and movies (Descent (2007), Watercolor Postcards (2013)), Chad Faust is behind the camera as the writer and director of a thriller as original as it is captivating.

Girl is not only a successful thriller; it is also a way to revisit the United States through deep America. Her heroine (nameless) arrives in the city where her father lives with the intention of taking revenge. The latter has abandoned his mother whom he beaten. Things do not go as planned, however, and she must face a belligerent sheriff and learn that appearances are often deceiving. Girl's scenario is based on many twists and turns but also on deceptive appearances.

Despite a reduced budget, the director and screenwriter show that it is possible to bring great thrillers to life as long as you invest yourself completely and are surrounded by an excellent team. In this case, Chad Faust can count on Gloria Tong's successful editing and Kristofer Bonnellen's photography that perfectly matches the plot.

This dive in a small town of the United States proves to be worthy of the best neo-Black thrillers in which dangers are numerous and in which to show courage can prove to be insufficient in front of people without moral code. Where many early films show many weaknesses, Girl benefits from the inspired presence of Bella Thorne and Mickey Rourke (in one of her best roles). Girl finds the perfect rhythm to plunge viewers into the heart of the plot and, above all, manages to hold our full attention.

Girl
Written and Directed by Chad Faust
Produced by Thomas Michael, Shayne Putzlocher, Sara Shaak
Starring Bella Thorne, Mickey Rourke, Chad Faust, Glen Gould, Lanette Ware, Elizabeth Saunders, Michael Lipka, Paolo Mancini, John Clifford Talbot, Tia Lavallee, Emma-Leigh Cullum
Cinematography: Kristofer Bonnell
Edited by Gloria Tong
Release date: September 25, 2020 (Fantastic Fest)
Running time: 92 minutes

Viewed on September 23, 2020 (screener press)

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