This film makes a gentle point of the fact that transitioning isn't trouble-free even if most of the people around you are broadly sympathetic to the undertaking.

| Apr 3, 2019

Unfortunately, despite strenuous pretenses of compassion, Girl's escalating obsessions reprise long histories of cruel, transphobic storytelling.

| Mar 21, 2019

A curiously unjust, myopic, even dangerous movie.

| Mar 19, 2019

A performance infused with great stillness and energy from actor/dancer Victor Polster drives Belgian director/co-writer Lukas Dhont's affecting if uneven coming-of-age tale.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 17, 2019

Having seen the film, this cis critic certainly wouldn't claim to understand the reality of life as a trans person. It makes me want to, though.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 15, 2019

Even disregarding the controversy, Girl does not work, mainly because Dhont's focus is all wrong.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Mar 15, 2019

An immersive, empathetic film that speaks the language of tolerance without getting preachy.

| Mar 15, 2019

I found the film both informative and profound.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 15, 2019

By helping Monsecour heal by sharing her story, Dhont has done a wonderful thing that speaks to his purposes and successes. I'll be interested to see whose story he tells next.

| Mar 14, 2019

I was grateful for Girl, which I think offers a new reading on the young trans experience.

| Mar 14, 2019

There is a seriousness of purpose here that is rare in an age where most arguments are carried out in block capitals.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 14, 2019

Many dreams, Dhont suggests, come with nightmares attached - by society, by biology or even by the individual's own insurgent fears and qualms.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 13, 2019

Given the current controversy about transgender women in sport, it's certainly timely.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 13, 2019

The sheer sustained intensity of the drama and performances carry it through.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 13, 2019

A film which reminds us that nuance and representation matters.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 13, 2019

One of the most agonisingly well-observed films about being an adolescent that I've ever seen.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Jan 24, 2019

It feels exploitative, rather than empathetic. But it's the irresponsible handling of the film's final, shocking scenes that is the most problematic.

| Dec 27, 2018

Lukas Dhont isn't really concerned with Lara's journey to find peace and balance, as he's interested only in her downward spiral of crisis.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 11, 2018

Where most queer films are about external conflicts and prejudice, Lara's primary conflict in this movie is with what she sees in the mirror.

| Oct 8, 2018

Dhost's nonjudgmental film doesn't traverse new territory for a trans film, and it features too much dancing, but it benefits from its authenticity.

| Sep 17, 2018