Girl

Fifteen-year-old Lara’s goal is clear: to become a professional ballerina. Supported by her father, she attends a prestigious dance school, dedicating herself to the grueling journey. But the frustrations and impatience of adolescence intensify as she gradually faces the daunting challenges classical ballet imposes on the body of one born male. Lukas Dhont’s debut was one of the most talked-about films at Cannes this year, where it won the Gold Camera Award. Dhont directs his film with a confident hand and creates a profound cinematic portrait of a girl’s complex relationship with her body without succumbing to the obvious clichés. Victor Polster’s performance in the lead role is exceptionally subtle and affective.