#TIFF25: “GIRL” REVIEW

By Mr. Will Wong

One of the Festival’s hidden gems is the directorial debut of acclaimed Taiwanese-Hong Kong actress Shu Qi, GIRL.

This Drama looks at the coming-of-age of Lin Xiaoli (Bai Xiao-Ying), who is navigatimg growing into her teens, while being on the receiving end of abuse from both her mother and father at home. We witness a vicious cycle of abuse that is triggered by her often absent alcoholic father (Roy Chiu) and mother (9m88), who is balancing caring for her family and also working, whilst suffering domestic violence at the hands of her husband, often taking her frustration out on her eldest daughter Xiaoli.

Shu Qi takes her cinematic sensibilities, translating them fluently into her storytelling as both Director and Writer here. With the help of Cinematographer Yu Jing-Pin, beauty is evoked in even the most dire circumstances. The Film looks at the damaging aftermath of abuse, but somehow manages to possess a message of healing and hope.

Bai and 9m88 deliver standout performances, and the first-time Director keeps us engaged, masterfully telling this story with well-paced measure.

GIRL screens at TIFF ’25 as follows:

Tuesday, September 9
Royal Alexandra Theatre
Premium
2:15 pm

Wednesday, September 10
Scotiabank Theatre Toronto
5:45 pm