friday flicks – 5 aussie films about girlhood

We’re big suckers for a top-notch coming-of-age flick here at frankie. The only thing better than a story of teenage petulance and adolescent angst is a story that hits (very) close to home. From summers on the beach under the blistering sun to belting ABBA tunes like there’s no tomorrow, we’ve rounded up our five favourite films that explore experiences of girlhood with an Australian lens. If you ask us, a movie night might just be in order.

MURIEL’S WEDDING Let’s get something straight – P.J. Hogan’s 1994 masterpiece Muriel’s Wedding is the best 101 minutes to ever grace our screens. While the quirkiness of Muriel and her loveable ratbag family may have been dialed up to 11, the immense heart and humour of the titular lass is the kind of commendable existence we could all do with a dollop more of. Inspired by his own sister, Hogan really hit the nail on the head in his portrayals of ABBA singalongs, awkward romantic encounters and pure femme friendship.

GIRL ASLEEP Based on a play of the same name, Rosemary Myers’ 2015 directorial debut Girl Asleep is a surreal tale of one of the scariest experiences known to femme-kind: a 15th birthday party forced on you by your parents. Set in the ‘70s – with the Wes Anderson-esque set and costume design to prove it – the painfully awkward Greta adventures through her party and into a dreamscape beyond. This quirky flick is a hidden gem, and speaks to the near-universal experience of being 15 years old and feeling catastrophically alone. (Spoiler alert: no one ever actually is.)

PUBERTY BLUES Before Aussie teens in 2012 were bleaching the front strands of their hair and calling each other “mole” like it was our given first names, there was Bruce Beresford’s 1981 cinematic equivalent to the Bible. Puberty Blues follows Debbie and Sue as they struggle to survive all the horrifically awesome experiences that come with growing up. Chock-a-block with sex, drugs, alcohol and – of course – a slice of Sydney/Warrane’s stunning beaches, what this film is ultimately about is the friendship between the two lead ladies. Growing up isn’t so painful when there’s a best mate by your side.

BABYTEETH An underrated entry into the Australian cinema hall of fame, Shannon Murphy’s 2019 comedy-drama Babyteeth features some of the best talent to come out of the country in recent times. Led by Eliza Scanlen in her first film role – before she went on to make cry-babies out of the lot of us in Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaption of Little Women – this touching story of love, loss, family and growing up is the kind that will have you reaching for the tissues while laughing your lungs out.

SOMERSAULT Cate Shortland’s 2004 coming-of-age flick Somersault is no stroll in the park. This brutally raw film follows teenage Heidi as she runs away from home and travels throughout the landscape of regional New South Wales, ending up in the mountain town of Jindabyne. Somersault is a hot-pot of teenage emotion – untamed and volatile, but still somehow beautiful. It explores questions of sexuality and confusion about belonging, all set against a backdrop of Australian landscape that is just as unforgiving as adolescence can be.