Sad Girlz

Two teen swimmers in Mexico are preparing for a major competition while dealing with trauma that transforms their friendship.

Paula and La Maestra are best friends and both are training to represent Mexico at the important swimming championships in Brazil. One night, at a party, Paula ends up alone with Daniel, a good friend and her longtime crush. Over the days that follow, La Maestra notices Paula becoming increasingly distant and sad, and the two friends consult both ChatGPT and a tarot deck for answers as they try to process what happened to her. As the two girls respond in different ways, their bond is put to the test. Paula needs time, while La Maestra feels the need to speak up.

For her debut feature, writer/director Fernanda Tovar has crafted a perceptive and nuanced portrait of female teenage friendship. Never didactic or moralising, film is led by authentic, intimate performances by its two lead actors, Rocio Guzman and Darana Alvarez – qualities recognised at this year’s Berlinale, where it received both the Youth Jury Crystal Bear for Best Film and the International Jury Grand Prix in the festival’s Generation 14plus section.

Ana-Marija Grøndahl