Review of White Girl (2016) by Peter F — 18 Dec 2016

Elizabeth Wood's debut feature is a lurid trek through college-age decadence that's ultimately too desperate to make a message. Realistic in its portrayal of youthful vices, White Girl is almost immediately reminiscent of Larry Clark's cult favorite Kids, but what gives this film the edge in quality is that it features a more thoughtful story.

Wood gives viewers an enticing set-up with an opportunity to explore race/class relations, but unfortunately she mostly squanders it by not developing her characters in a way that makes them sympathetic.

Also, the film's brash tone strips it of any credibility towards making a feminist statement. An average debut film, but those looking for a better film about New York's contemporary drug community are well advised to see last year's Heaven Knows What.