The Girls review – poignant coming-of-age romance is an understated gem of Sri Lankan cinema

The resurgence of interest in classic Sri Lankan cinema has brought Sumitra Peries’ 1978 film, The Girls, back into focus. While nostalgia for a bygone era can be tempting, this poignant coming-of-age romance is more than just a relic of the past – it’s a testament to the power of understated storytelling.

One of the most striking aspects of The Girls is its use of restraint in an industry often characterized by melodrama and overwrought sentimentality. Peries’ film stands out for its calm, natural performances and lucid monochrome cinematography, resulting in a freshness and warmth that’s rare in contemporary cinema.

By withholding the happily-ever-after ending audiences crave, Peries forces viewers to confront the harsh realities of life, lending The Girls its poignancy. This suppression is precisely what lends the film its emotional resonance – it’s here that we see the raw, beating heart of the human experience.

The story follows Kusum, a studious and serious teenager from a poor family, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence. Her relationships with her sister Soma and the visiting dignitary are fraught with tension and unspoken emotions, making it clear that The Girls is not just another coming-of-age tale. Instead, it’s a nuanced portrayal of human emotion, grounded in the harsh realities of rural Sri Lankan life.

Peries’ use of location shooting and natural lighting adds authenticity to the narrative, which is further enhanced by its cultural context. This blend of specificity and universality lends the film its timeless appeal – we’re not just witnessing Kusum’s story, but also the struggles of an entire community.

In an era where blockbuster franchises dominate the box office and streaming services prioritize spectacle over substance, The Girls stands as a testament to the enduring power of quiet drama. It reminds us that sometimes, the most profound stories are those that eschew grand gestures in favor of subtle, nuanced portrayals of human emotion.

The film’s restraint also highlights the importance of trusting audiences and allowing characters to speak for themselves. By doing so, filmmakers can create stories that resonate long after the credits roll, rather than relying on tired tropes or overwrought sentimentality.

Furthermore, The Girls underscores the significance of cultural context in storytelling. Peries’ unique perspective on the human experience is both universally relatable and deeply rooted in its time and place – a blend of specificity and universality that lends the film its emotional resonance.

As we look to the future of cinema, it’s worth remembering the quiet drama of The Girls. Rather than chasing after blockbuster budgets or streaming platform deals, filmmakers would do well to focus on creating stories that are both authentic and emotionally resonant. For in a world where noise often drowns out nuance, Peries’ understated masterpiece stands as a beacon of hope – a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful stories are those that speak with quiet confidence rather than loud bravado.

The Girls may have been released over 40 years ago, but its themes and emotions remain just as relevant today. As we continue to grapple with the complexities of life, it’s this kind of nuanced storytelling that will ultimately resonate – for it’s not the big gestures or sweeping grandeur that move us, but rather the quiet moments of human connection that linger long after the screen fades to black.