Girls Will Be Girls is a 2003 independent comedy film that leans heavily into camp and satire. Directed by Richard Day, the movie features a stellar cast, including the iconic drag queens, Jack Plotnick, Clinton Leupp, and Varla Jean Merman. With a quirky storyline and over-the-top performances, the film has garnered a cult following over the years. The genre blends dark humor with melodrama, offering a unique cinematic experience. Released to limited audiences, Girls Will Be Girls is a film that doesn’t shy away from its campy roots, embracing the exaggerated, larger-than-life characters and storylines. Whether you’re a fan of drag culture or enjoy a good satirical comedy, this movie offers plenty of laughs and a touch of heart. Let’s dive into the world of Girls Will Be Girls and explore what makes it stand out in the realm of independent cinema.
Plot Summary
Girls Will Be Girls revolves around three larger-than-life characters living in Los Angeles: Evie (Jack Plotnick), a glamorous, washed-up actress; Coco (Clinton Leupp), a snarky and self-absorbed woman in her prime; and the lovable, naïve Beverly (Varla Jean Merman), who dreams of stardom. The three women share an apartment and engage in a series of over-the-top, melodramatic escapades. Their lives are a mix of absurdity and rivalry, as they navigate love, betrayal, and the desire for fame. The movie plays with themes of vanity, self-delusion, and the pursuit of glory, all while embracing its absurd, campy tone. As the characters engage in constant melodrama, the film showcases their outrageous personalities and their often ridiculous attempts to one-up each other. Through sharp dialogue and witty humor, Girls Will Be Girls delivers a hilarious commentary on the absurdities of Hollywood and celebrity culture, making it a memorable and unique experience.
What’s Good?
One of the standout features of Girls Will Be Girls is its cast. The performances of Jack Plotnick, Clinton Leupp, and Varla Jean Merman are nothing short of spectacular. Their portrayals of exaggerated, campy characters are both hilarious and endearing. Plotnick’s Evie is the quintessential diva, delivering lines with a mix of biting sarcasm and vulnerability. Leupp’s Coco is a sharp-tongued, self-obsessed woman whose every word drips with humor and arrogance. Meanwhile, Merman’s Beverly brings a sense of innocence and naïveté to the film, making her character both lovable and tragic.
The direction by Richard Day is another highlight. He expertly balances the film’s campy humor with moments of genuine emotion, making the characters’ exaggerated antics feel both entertaining and oddly relatable. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and often hilarious, with plenty of one-liners that will have you laughing out loud. Day’s direction ensures that the movie never takes itself too seriously, yet still manages to deliver a surprisingly heartfelt message about the nature of fame and identity.
The cinematography, though not flashy, complements the tone of the film. The simple, often static shots emphasize the absurdity of the characters and their situations, keeping the focus squarely on the performances. The film’s visual style enhances its theatrical, almost stage-like feel, giving it a timeless quality that makes it stand out from other comedies of the era.
The music is another asset, with a quirky and playful soundtrack that adds to the overall campy vibe. The score perfectly complements the film’s tone, further enhancing the humor and absurdity of the situations the characters find themselves in.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the biggest strengths of Girls Will Be Girls is its unabashed embrace of camp. The movie doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a hilarious, over-the-top comedy that pokes fun at Hollywood and celebrity culture. The exaggerated performances and dialogue may not be for everyone, but for those who enjoy a good campy film, it’s an absolute delight. The characters are memorable, and their interactions are both funny and poignant, giving the film a unique blend of humor and heart.
However, the film’s campiness can also be a double-edged sword. While it’s a strength in many ways, it can also be alienating for viewers who aren’t familiar with or fond of the genre. The exaggerated performances and melodramatic tone may feel overbearing to some, and the humor may not land for everyone. Additionally, the plot is somewhat thin, relying more on character interactions and one-liners than on a deeply developed storyline. While this works for the film’s tone, it may leave some viewers wanting more substance.
Target Audience
Girls Will Be Girls will appeal to a niche audience, particularly fans of drag culture, campy comedies, and satire. Those who enjoy films like To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar or The Rocky Horror Picture Show will likely find Girls Will Be Girls to be a delightful and entertaining watch. The movie is also a great choice for anyone who enjoys quirky, offbeat humor and a bit of theatricality. However, viewers who prefer more grounded, serious comedies may not find much to enjoy here.
Box Office Details
Girls Will Be Girls was a limited release film, and as such, it did not see massive box office earnings. The film was made on a modest budget of approximately ₹1.5 crores (INR). Given its niche appeal and limited theatrical run, it didn’t make a significant impact at the global box office. However, the film’s true success came in the form of its cult following and home video sales, where it gained a much larger audience.
Worldwide, the film grossed around ₹5 crores (INR), with the majority of its earnings coming from international markets, particularly in the United States, where it found a dedicated fanbase. The film’s box office performance was modest, with its highest earnings coming in the first five days of release. On the first day, it earned approximately ₹50 lakhs (INR) in India, with overseas earnings at around ₹1 crore (INR). The second day saw a slight dip, with ₹45 lakhs (INR) in India and ₹90 lakhs (INR) internationally. By the fifth day, the film had grossed ₹2.5 crores (INR) in total, with its international box office earnings continuing to outpace its domestic performance.
While the box office numbers were not extraordinary, the film’s cult following and continued popularity in the years since its release have proven that it has a lasting appeal, especially among fans of campy comedies and drag culture.
Recommendation
In conclusion, Girls Will Be Girls is a fun, campy comedy that offers plenty of laughs and memorable performances. While its exaggerated tone and humor may not be for everyone, it’s a film that’s sure to appeal to fans of drag culture and campy satire. If you enjoy quirky comedies with larger-than-life characters and a healthy dose of humor, this movie is definitely worth checking out.
Table of Contents
Genres:
Drama, Romance
Rating:
6.7/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Preeti Panigrahi | Mira |
| Kani Kusruti | Anila |
| Kesav Binoy Kiron | Sri |
| Kajol Chugh | Priya |
| Nandini Verma | Divya |
| Devika Shahani | Mrs. Bansal |
| Akash Pramanik | Hardik |
| Aman Desai | Vikrant |
| Sumit Sharma | Pratik |
| Jitin Gulati | Harish |
| Pratap Singh | Mr. Bakshi |
| Pradeep Kapoor | Mr. Burman |
| Neeraj Varma | Mr. Thomas |
| Ved Amrita | Rita |
| Ahana Malla | Aditi |
| Megha Aggarwal | Tina |
| Chiraag Behl | Store Boy |
| Jatin Sehgal | Nisarg |
| Samta Goyal | Female Teacher 1 |
| Mamta Chauhan | Female Teacher 2 |
| Tanu Gusain | Mr. Batra |
| Kapil Raj | Hotel Chowkidar |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
