#TIFF19: “HOW TO BUILD A GIRL”

Review by Amanda Gilmore for Mr. Will Wong

When Johanna Morrigan (Beanie Feldstein) gets hired as a Critic for a London music magazine she beings changing who she is.

Director Coky Giedroyc and Screenwriter Caitlin Moran have made a quirky coming-of-age film about a loveable and flawed girl. The Film succeeds due to Moran’s Script which is full of hilarious British quips, heartbreaking reality and candid lessons. The most impressive and refreshing aspect as the Film is the character progression of Johanna. She is responsible for unleashing her worst self and she is solely responsible for building herself back up. Moran and Giedronyc have allotted enough time and essential reasoning to Johanna’s transformation and because of this everything Johanna does, no matter how cruel, has a purpose in her journey. It’s because of this and the perfect casting of Feldstein that causes the audience to sympathize and route for her. By now we know Feldstein is a force on the big screen and she brings her ever-charming presence once again. And joining her on-screen are memorable cameos from Chris O’Dowd, Emma Thompson and Alfie Allen.

How To Build A Girl screens at TIFF on the following days:

Saturday, September 7 at Ryerson Theatre at 12 PM

Sunday, September 8 at Scotiabank Theatre at 7:15 PM

Friday, September 13 at Scotiabank Theatre at 6 PM