Girls Trip manages to make a tired premise feel exciting
After losing touch, four best friends reunite for a raucous getaway where they re-learn the importance of their bonds. Perhaps a cliché’d premise, but director Malcom D. Lee’s Girls Trip manages to work with the wellworn narrative to create something fresh and fun.
Five years have gone by since college pals Ryan (Regina Hall), Sasha (Queen Latifah), Lisa (Jada Pinkett Smith) and Dina (Tiffany Haddish) have spent time together: they decide to reunite their “Flossy Posse” at the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Ryan, a successful lifestyle author, has marital issues; Sasha’s journalism career is failing and she’s broke; Lisa has allowed herself to become dull and far too safe after her divorce. Letting loose and re-igniting their wild sides, the women take on the New Orleans party scene, while aiding and encouraging each other in the face of adversity.
The raunchy comedy is funny, but it is Haddish who steals the show. Given the best one-liners and utilizing an exceptional sense of timing and physicality, her performance as Dina saves the comparatively underdeveloped character from being onenote. While Hall, Latifah and Pinkett Smith all sell the film’s vulgarity as well as its wit, Haddish’s energy and earnestness help enliven the comedy and its emotional core.
Throughout the film, an emphasis is placed upon women’s friendship as something fun and invigorating, but also something crucial. The support and kindness which these women display for each other is heartwarming. It culminated in a rousing speech where Ryan is able to confidently proclaim that she is her own woman, standing up for herself without fear. Through the enduring love of her friends, the characters are each able to realize their value as women and individuals.
Yes, Girls Trip certainly does verge into the territory of sentimentality. Ryan’s journey of self-discovery often seems contrived, while the narrative is incredibly predictable. Regardless, it’s totally satisfying. We know from the beginning of the film that the Flossy Posse will have their relationships tested, only to come together as stronger women who have all grown from their shared experiences. That never takes away from how moving it is. With incredible warmth to its wild humour, Girls Trip manages to make a tired premise feel exciting.