Review of Welcome to the Dollhouse (1996) by Andy A — 05 Jan 2009

While a bit unpolished, this indie can stir up quite a storm of emotions, all of them genuine. For anyone who has ever suffered the indignity of growing up, then the pains put on display by director Solodnz feels shockingly authentic and at times can make the movie hard to watch (in a good way).

The awkwardness epitomized by the young Matarazzo is so perfect that you'd think you were a voyeur for watching this. The fact that the movie ultimately denies any kind of vengeful gratification on behalf of the downtrodden only serves to underscore this droopy little gem about the reality of youth.

I'm surprised any of us manage to survive adolescence...