How To Build A Girl
Cert 15, 104 minutes, on Amazon Prime Video from 24 July
Starring: Beanie Feldstein, Alfie Allen, Paddy Considine Director: Coky Giedroyc
THE PLOT In the mid ’90s, Wolverhampton teen Johanna (Booksmart star Feldstein) reinvents herself as bitchy rock journalist Dolly Wilde, winning notoriety but losing her soul. WHAT’S RIGHT WITH IT? The distinctive voice of Caitlin Moran, adapting from her own semi-autobiographical novel, shines through, while Johanna’s sincere connection with a sensitive musician (Allen) adds nice ballast.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH IT? Juggling multiple characters and quite the story arc, this unlikely (but mostly true) coming-of-age tale feels rather crammed at movie length. VERDICT The world of rock criticism is seen from a refreshingly female perspective in a story that’s about the painful quest for your true self, and the triumph of joyful enthusiasm over the arid wasteland of adult cool. HHHH