9 Female Coming-of-Age Films Now Streaming on Netflix
Zack Sharf
After dazzling audiences at Sundance and riding a wave of critical acclaim through various spring and summer film festivals, Marielle Heller’s “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” finally opens in select theaters this weekend. The story of a young teen’s sexual awakening with her mother’s boyfriend may sound off-putting, but Heller’s honest vision provides an insight into a subgenre grossly underrepresented in American cinema: Female coming-of-age stories. To get ready for Heller’s accomplished debut, here are 9 must-see female coming-of-age films now streaming on Netflix.
Synopses provided by Netflix.
“Blue is the Warmest Color” (Abdellatif Kechiche, 2013)
Determined to fall in love, 15-year-old Adele is focused on boys. But it’s a blue-haired girl she meets on the street who really piques her interest. This critically acclaimed tale of young love received the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
“Electrick Children” (Rebecca Thomas, 2012)
An idealistic teen from a devout Mormon family believes that she’s been impregnated by listening to music and travels to Las Vegas to find the father. Julia Garner, Rory Culkin and Liam Aiken star.
“Fish Tank” (Andrea Arnold, 2009)
The life of a hot-tempered teen outcast takes an unexpected turn when her mother brings home a handsome and mysterious boyfriend. This searing British coming-of-age drama stars Michael Fassbender in one of his first major roles.
“Heavenly Creatures” (Peter Jackson, 1994)
Set in 1950s New Zealand, this chilling true-life drama chronicles an obsessive friendship between two teenage girls that ultimately begets blood. Melanie Lynskey and Kate Winslet star in this Peter Jackson-directed drama.
“I Used to Be Darker” (Matthew Porterfield, 2013)
When runaway Taryn seeks help from her aunt and uncle in Baltimore, she discovers a family in crisis and a marriage in ruins.
“Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.” (Leslie Harris, 1992)
High school student Chantel Mitchell’s dreams of escaping her poor Brooklyn neighborhood are jeopardized when she realizes she is pregnant.
“Our Song” (Jim McKay, 2000)
Experiencing growing pains while they’re on summer vacation, three inner-city teenage girls with hectic schedules make life-changing decisions.
“Ripe” (Mo Ogrodnik, 1997)
Orphaned twin teenage sisters who end up living with a handyman on an Army base struggle with their emerging sexuality in a male-dominated setting.
“The Virgin Suicides” (Sofia Coppola, 1999)
After the suicide of their youngest, Ronald and Sara Libson attempt to sequester their other daughters away from intrigued neighborhood boys. Director Sofia Coppola’s first feature stars Kirsten Dunst, James Woods, Kathleen Turner and Josh Hartnett.
