Mother-daughter duo Grace and Ama have established a deep bond that's protected them from outsiders, but as they start anew in Glasgow, things begin to change. Ama's burgeoning puberty and curiosity set off reminders of a past that 24-year-old Grace has been running from. The comforting fairytale-like origin story that Grace has been telling Ama for years is interrupted by flashbacks of her painful past - their sheltered world begins to erode from the inside.

Adura Onashile's debut feature is an impressively delicate story about trauma and coming-of-age. Where Grace is stunned and paralyzed outside of their safe nest, Ama blossoms, exploring the world with new friend Fiona. Onashile's compassionate handling of Grace's trauma takes an impressionist approach, deftly revealing just enough details. Déborah Lukumuena's portrayal of Grace is sensitive and arresting, while an intimate camera and choral score heighten the evocative experience of the pair's dueling realities. Onashile has crafted a poignant story about healing and the painful sacrifices that are sometimes needed to love ourselves and those closest to us.

GIRL from lindsayperth on Vimeo.