GIRL FLU

Cinemavixion Review

Dorie Barton's "Girl Flu." is a poignant and often humorous exploration of adolescence, anchored by a compelling performance from Jade Pettyjohn as Bird. At twelve, Bird navigates the tumultuous waters of her first period, a rite of passage complicated by her mother Jenny's (Katee Sackhoff) free-spirited, yet unreliable, nature. The film masterfully captures the awkwardness and vulnerability of growing up, particularly the challenge of redefining oneself when parental figures falter. While the narrative occasionally leans into familiar coming-of-age tropes, its strength lies in its authenticity and the nuanced portrayal of the mother-daughter relationship. Sackhoff delivers a performance that balances erratic behavior with underlying affection, making Jenny a character as complex as she is frustrating. The film's success at various film festivals, noted in its accolades, is a testament to its resonant themes and relatable struggles. "Girl Flu." is a touching reminder that becoming a woman is a journey of self-discovery, often paved with unexpected challenges and the realization that returning to the past is rarely an option.