This is a coming of age film with a difference. It starts off pretty typically: a teenage Greta on the brink of adulthood struggling to navigate her new world. Starting at a new school and having a 15th birthday party looming forced on her by her well-meaning but clueless mother, she's faced with making some tough decisions regarding the relationships in her life. But after having a falling out with her new best friend at her party, the tone of the movie does a complete 180 as Greta falls asleep and enters a strange dreamland where she's forced to confront her fears about growing up, say goodbye to her childhood and rethink how she views the people in her life. While I really enjoyed this film, I don't think it was adapted from the play very well. The dialogue, direction, style of acting and even some of the special effects are much more suited to the theatre than the cinema. The actors for the most part do an excellent job, but they can't quite shake the staginess of it. Despite it's flaws, it's easy to get lost in the fun, quirkiness of the film and I challenge you to not fall in love with the characters!
23 Reviews
Brilliant first half
brandonbrooksby1 August 2018
The first half of the film was wonderful (I'd give it 9 stars)! It was witty, artistic, imaginative, and delt with really world issues. The characters were fresh and complex, and their conflicts and choices were intriguing.
However, halfway through it started to loose all of that, except some of the imaginative aspect, but in a style so unlike the rest of the film it's jarring.
One of the best shot Aussie films (may contain spoiler)
conan-222 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I was pleasantly surprised by this lovely stage adaptation.
The first thing you get in this movie is the opening scene. I do not know how long it was but it is one continuous static shot with two kids talking, in the background lots of little activities pass by which keep the long shot interesting. To have two young actors do such a long piece is worth the price of admission.
The movie is set in the 1970's, it is not stated at the beginning but the art direction is fantastic. The outside shots, dressed sets and clothing are detailed and layered. The colours pop in the burnt orange and browns of the day. Though growing up in Sydney I do not remember the beret/tea cosy hats some of the boys wore, (may be an Adelaide thing).
I do question their target market. It was an adult play with adults playing the children. The age-appropriate cast are brilliant. I fear it is not going to grab the young audience as would something like Red Dog or Paper Planes. Also, there is a little swearing which will prevent school excursions. There is some adult subtext but it is reasonably safe. Being chased by a daddy-monster... ?
Go and enjoy. It is not a mainstream flick but you will enjoy it.
The first thing you get in this movie is the opening scene. I do not know how long it was but it is one continuous static shot with two kids talking, in the background lots of little activities pass by which keep the long shot interesting. To have two young actors do such a long piece is worth the price of admission.
The movie is set in the 1970's, it is not stated at the beginning but the art direction is fantastic. The outside shots, dressed sets and clothing are detailed and layered. The colours pop in the burnt orange and browns of the day. Though growing up in Sydney I do not remember the beret/tea cosy hats some of the boys wore, (may be an Adelaide thing).
I do question their target market. It was an adult play with adults playing the children. The age-appropriate cast are brilliant. I fear it is not going to grab the young audience as would something like Red Dog or Paper Planes. Also, there is a little swearing which will prevent school excursions. There is some adult subtext but it is reasonably safe. Being chased by a daddy-monster... ?
Go and enjoy. It is not a mainstream flick but you will enjoy it.
Quirky, Clever & Creative
iquine30 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
(Flash Review)
Combine Wes Anderson, Napoleon Dynamite, some surreal moments and you get a picture of the film's style. Greta is a girl about to turn 15 years old, who is shy and doesn't have many friends and has no intention of changing her ways until her parents throw her a big 15th birthday party that threaten her comfort zone. Once threatened, her imagination runs wild! Energetic little film from Australia. Full of bold colors, fun costumes, peculiar characters, meaningful shot framing and odd creativity. My main problem with the film is after a great build up and plot development, to me, the director loses command of the story. It feels a bit scattered or the tone switches too much for my taste but maybe that is part of his intent. Overall, it was a very fun experience.
Combine Wes Anderson, Napoleon Dynamite, some surreal moments and you get a picture of the film's style. Greta is a girl about to turn 15 years old, who is shy and doesn't have many friends and has no intention of changing her ways until her parents throw her a big 15th birthday party that threaten her comfort zone. Once threatened, her imagination runs wild! Energetic little film from Australia. Full of bold colors, fun costumes, peculiar characters, meaningful shot framing and odd creativity. My main problem with the film is after a great build up and plot development, to me, the director loses command of the story. It feels a bit scattered or the tone switches too much for my taste but maybe that is part of his intent. Overall, it was a very fun experience.
Beautifully shot but disappointing, confusing mess.
samuelmcgregor5 September 2016
Napoleon dynamite meets Pans Labyrinth, not in a good way.
This film was beautifully shot with a very faithful recreation of 70's Australian fashion and style down to the Eames replica couches and hotted up HQ panel van. But sadly falls flat with a distinct lack of narrative tension and confusing fantasy element which adds nothing to the film.
Despite the very accurate recreation of the physical world of the 70's, much of the dialogue feels very out of place, reminiscent of new-age psychobabble of the 2010's.
There are a few solid jokes all relating to aspects of the 70's we'd rather forget, but far from enough to entertain for the 90 minute run time.
Do yourself a favour, go watch Napoleon Dynamite or Pans Labyrinth, and give this one a miss.
This film was beautifully shot with a very faithful recreation of 70's Australian fashion and style down to the Eames replica couches and hotted up HQ panel van. But sadly falls flat with a distinct lack of narrative tension and confusing fantasy element which adds nothing to the film.
Despite the very accurate recreation of the physical world of the 70's, much of the dialogue feels very out of place, reminiscent of new-age psychobabble of the 2010's.
There are a few solid jokes all relating to aspects of the 70's we'd rather forget, but far from enough to entertain for the 90 minute run time.
Do yourself a favour, go watch Napoleon Dynamite or Pans Labyrinth, and give this one a miss.
Creative and Evocative Tale
david-rector-850927 September 2016
'Girl Asleep' is a delightful coming of age dramedy that uses the medium of film in a creative and entertaining way. Less is more (or it should be in features, where directors are too often indulged) and the running time here is succinct; whilst exploring its themes and concerns. Recreating an era on film is never easy, especially on a budget, but Rosemary Myers does a great job as she and the screenwriter (and supporting actor) Matthew Whittet, adapt his stage play and bring some visceral and visual elements to the tale.
The protagonist here is a 14 year old played with smart enthusiasm and sturdiness by Bethany Whitmore (already a seasoned actor at aged 16!). Her Greta undergoes some quick rite of passage as the narrative propels her towards her next birthday and a reluctant participant in her own celebrations. With quirky parents, an apathetic older sister, and a geekily winning best pal played to perfection by Harrison Feldman, Greta has a new school and peer pressure to navigate as well as the looming birthday.
There is much to enjoy about 'Girl Asleep' with its retro first half; resplendent with late 70's furnishings, music, costumes and an altogether more innocent time. The film's shift in tone and style is not unexpected, with some early metaphysical and fantasy components flagging its intentions, but for some this may prove too wayward. There is ultimately a sweetness to this movie, without being saccharine or predictable. With a cast largely of teenagers and lesser known actors, the director wrangles the elements with a deft hand but not intrusively; allowing Matthew Whittet's story to be explored and Greta's turbulent coming of age to be presented in a distinctive style. I hope this movie finds its audience. This is an Australian film to rally for!
The protagonist here is a 14 year old played with smart enthusiasm and sturdiness by Bethany Whitmore (already a seasoned actor at aged 16!). Her Greta undergoes some quick rite of passage as the narrative propels her towards her next birthday and a reluctant participant in her own celebrations. With quirky parents, an apathetic older sister, and a geekily winning best pal played to perfection by Harrison Feldman, Greta has a new school and peer pressure to navigate as well as the looming birthday.
There is much to enjoy about 'Girl Asleep' with its retro first half; resplendent with late 70's furnishings, music, costumes and an altogether more innocent time. The film's shift in tone and style is not unexpected, with some early metaphysical and fantasy components flagging its intentions, but for some this may prove too wayward. There is ultimately a sweetness to this movie, without being saccharine or predictable. With a cast largely of teenagers and lesser known actors, the director wrangles the elements with a deft hand but not intrusively; allowing Matthew Whittet's story to be explored and Greta's turbulent coming of age to be presented in a distinctive style. I hope this movie finds its audience. This is an Australian film to rally for!
A charming but unpolished indie film from down under
finchsam15 May 2016
Girl Asleep starts as a stylish coming of age "dramedy" about a misfit teenage girl named Greta who is bullied by three girls at school. Befriended by fellow misfit Elliot, the two form a sweet bond early in Act I where the audience is also introduced to Greta's colorful family which includes a quirky mom, a corny joke-telling dad and an apathetic older sister. Once the 2nd Act gets started, the story starts to gradually deviate and by the time Act III comes around, there's almost a complete shift in mood and genre. What was a light and fun narrative had become this kind of darkly juvenile fantasy adventure; it's disruptive and actually really strange.
Engaging Film that took me on an adventure
angeladives16 September 2016
A interesting, fun, awkward teen adventure that will take you on on adventure. Must see film for anyone who never quite fit in.
It has quirkiness, 1970s throw back, girl drama and most importantly dad jokes. Gretel and Elliott will have you cheering from your seats that is OK to just be yourself.
The film is perfectly pitched for teenagers or for anyone who was slightly left of field in high school. So just about everyone!
Great to see Australian Films making its mark up with the big budget releases.
I hope to see more of Whittet's plays adapted to the big screen.
It has quirkiness, 1970s throw back, girl drama and most importantly dad jokes. Gretel and Elliott will have you cheering from your seats that is OK to just be yourself.
The film is perfectly pitched for teenagers or for anyone who was slightly left of field in high school. So just about everyone!
Great to see Australian Films making its mark up with the big budget releases.
I hope to see more of Whittet's plays adapted to the big screen.
Steaming Heap!!
lbenot2 November 2016
This is much more than a review. It's a Public Service Announcement: Save not only your hard earned money, but much more important your valuable time and completely and totally ignore the ridiculously absurd 7.0 IMDb rating (1 decimal point too far to the right) and any and all of the glowing ratings/reviews (shills all) given this pathetically tedious, audio-visual root canal.
I get the simple and waaayyyy over-told story it's trying to tell, but the clumsy, amateurish Alice-In-Wonderland/Wizard-Of-Oz manner it uses to tell it - to include the acting, the dialog, the casting, the directing, the EVERY-THING - is so incredibly, and stupefyingly UN- entertaining that sitting through it actually rises to the level of . . . cruel and unusual PUNISHMENT!!
Don't be duped. "Girl Asleep" is a "Steaming Heap!"
I get the simple and waaayyyy over-told story it's trying to tell, but the clumsy, amateurish Alice-In-Wonderland/Wizard-Of-Oz manner it uses to tell it - to include the acting, the dialog, the casting, the directing, the EVERY-THING - is so incredibly, and stupefyingly UN- entertaining that sitting through it actually rises to the level of . . . cruel and unusual PUNISHMENT!!
Don't be duped. "Girl Asleep" is a "Steaming Heap!"
Total waste of time
joyasser8 February 2017
A very very very boring movie, It's a total mess you won't understand what the name of god is happening, and it very disturbing on so many levels.
acting and directing Even the STORY itself would make you very unsatisfied and even angry.
If you want to punish someone just make him/her watch this movie !
Save your time and ignore the IMDb rating and don't waste your time watching it .. Thank me later ;)
Don't know what is wrong with these IMDb ratings ..
6.5 Really?!!! -_-
acting and directing Even the STORY itself would make you very unsatisfied and even angry.
If you want to punish someone just make him/her watch this movie !
Save your time and ignore the IMDb rating and don't waste your time watching it .. Thank me later ;)
Don't know what is wrong with these IMDb ratings ..
6.5 Really?!!! -_-
Both a coming of age movie and a fantasy movie
paul-allaer15 October 2016
"Girl Asleep" (2015 release from Australia; 77 min.) brings the story of Greta, who is almost 15 yrs. old. As the movie opens, we are informed that it is "First Day, New School" and we see Greta trying to fit in. She is approached by geeky Elliot, who takes an immediate liking to her. After school, we get to know Greta's family (her goofy dd, her controlling mom, and her rebellious older sister). When mom decides that Greta should have a big birthday party, Greta is mortified at first, but then gives in. The day of the birthday party arrives... To tell you more of the plot would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.
Couple of comments: this movie is unlike anything that I have seen in a long time. It's both a coming of age movie as it is a fantasy movie. How so? Because midway into the movie, the movie takes a left, then a right, and then another left and ends up going back-and-forth between the birthday party and Greta's dreams when she nods off during the party. Doesn't make sense to you? No worries, mate! Just go with the flow. There is a long scene during the party where Sylvester's "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" blasts away and the entire group is dancing in unison to the song. Perfect! (The movie is set sometime in the 70s, so this fits in nicely). There are some wonderful performances from this no-start cast, notably Bethany Whitmore in the role of Greta. I noticed in the end credits that the movie is based on a theater play. I can't even imagine what that must've been like, but the movie certainly didn't feel like a staged play. Bottom line: the movie rolls by in no time, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
"Girl Asleep" opened this weekend without any pre-release fanfare or advertising at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. I really didn't know anything about the movie, and simply took a flyer on it. So glad I did. The Friday evening screening where I saw this at was attended so-so, which didn't surprise me, given the lack of marketing or buzz around this film. A darn shame, if you ask me. Sometimes it's nice to be surprised with a movie the likes of which you don't get to see very often. If you are in the mood for something very different that is charming, quirky and funny, I'd readily suggest you seek out this movie, be it in the theater, on Amazon Instant Video, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray. "Girl Asleep" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Couple of comments: this movie is unlike anything that I have seen in a long time. It's both a coming of age movie as it is a fantasy movie. How so? Because midway into the movie, the movie takes a left, then a right, and then another left and ends up going back-and-forth between the birthday party and Greta's dreams when she nods off during the party. Doesn't make sense to you? No worries, mate! Just go with the flow. There is a long scene during the party where Sylvester's "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" blasts away and the entire group is dancing in unison to the song. Perfect! (The movie is set sometime in the 70s, so this fits in nicely). There are some wonderful performances from this no-start cast, notably Bethany Whitmore in the role of Greta. I noticed in the end credits that the movie is based on a theater play. I can't even imagine what that must've been like, but the movie certainly didn't feel like a staged play. Bottom line: the movie rolls by in no time, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
"Girl Asleep" opened this weekend without any pre-release fanfare or advertising at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. I really didn't know anything about the movie, and simply took a flyer on it. So glad I did. The Friday evening screening where I saw this at was attended so-so, which didn't surprise me, given the lack of marketing or buzz around this film. A darn shame, if you ask me. Sometimes it's nice to be surprised with a movie the likes of which you don't get to see very often. If you are in the mood for something very different that is charming, quirky and funny, I'd readily suggest you seek out this movie, be it in the theater, on Amazon Instant Video, or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray. "Girl Asleep" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Avoid at all costs
meliahemsley30 September 2017
This Film sucks. I have seen many films and this is by far the worst one I've ever seen. Badly filmed, badly acted, and disturbing on so many levels. I guarantee that you'll watch this film and afterwards, you'll wish you hadn't. Absolutely dreadful, an absolute mess, this film should definitely never have been made. There is no moral to this story, except, don't trust other reviews on IMDb, the ratings of 2 or above are outrageous.
Joyous
nickapopolis8710 October 2016
This is a beautiful and beautifully made movie. The intricacies and absurdities of 70s life are writ large, with over the top set dressing and outfits. Disco dancing and disco moves abound, as Greta discovers herself in this coming of age tale.
It's surreal and enchanting, wafting from real life to dream sequence, you're with it all the way.
A new Australian classic, and certainly something different, both for Aussie cinema and for cinema in general.
It's been out for weeks here in Melbourne, and my Monday evening session was sold out, we missed out the week before for that reason, so it is resonating with audiences. Let it put you under its spell.
It's surreal and enchanting, wafting from real life to dream sequence, you're with it all the way.
A new Australian classic, and certainly something different, both for Aussie cinema and for cinema in general.
It's been out for weeks here in Melbourne, and my Monday evening session was sold out, we missed out the week before for that reason, so it is resonating with audiences. Let it put you under its spell.
Fails on so many levels
CabbageCustard18 February 2020
I really wanted to like this movie and you can tell that everyone involved is trying hard for you to really like this movie. Maybe that's the problem - everyone is trying too hard.
This starts out looking as though it wants to be a quirky comedy with elements of satire. I like that sort of movie. Making a movie in that genre requires a clever script and a deft director. Sadly, this movie has neither. All the other ingredients are there but, unfortunately, they don't gel together and this 'comedy' just isn't funny.
To make matters worse, about 35 minutes in, this movie does a complete u-turn and becomes a demented fantasy. It is really, really tedious. I kept watching to the end because I thought that maybe we we're heading towards a denouement that would draw it all together and then everything would make sense. That didn't happen.
The best thing about this movie is that it is only 77 minutes long. If you want to see a clever, quirky (also) Australian comedy set in the same era as this (1970s?), try and find Swinging Safari from 2018. That is everything this movie tries to be but isn't.
This starts out looking as though it wants to be a quirky comedy with elements of satire. I like that sort of movie. Making a movie in that genre requires a clever script and a deft director. Sadly, this movie has neither. All the other ingredients are there but, unfortunately, they don't gel together and this 'comedy' just isn't funny.
To make matters worse, about 35 minutes in, this movie does a complete u-turn and becomes a demented fantasy. It is really, really tedious. I kept watching to the end because I thought that maybe we we're heading towards a denouement that would draw it all together and then everything would make sense. That didn't happen.
The best thing about this movie is that it is only 77 minutes long. If you want to see a clever, quirky (also) Australian comedy set in the same era as this (1970s?), try and find Swinging Safari from 2018. That is everything this movie tries to be but isn't.
Greta in woodland!
Reno-Rangan4 August 2017
This is a short Aussie film, kind of inspired by 'Alice in Wonderland', but originally based on the stage play of the same name. A teen comedy set in the 70s and revolved around a birthday party. So, newly moved into the town, Greta, finds hard to make friends, except a boy. Entering 15th, her family wants to throw a big birthday party inviting her new schoolmates, against her will. On the occasion, something goes wrong and the next minute, she's in a strange place with strange events and people. Her adventure begins to return home and the party she had left behind in halfway which revealed in the rest of the film.
I thought it was a children's and family film, but some of the references like relating to sex was a bold move. Though nothing was serious, if you are not considering the matter to the deep. It was just like any teen film, a simple topic. Creatively enough, but not impressive enough film. Those 70s were the plus point, especially for a comedy, that timeline is always so funny.
Decent performances and filmmaking, should have been improvised the screenplay. But my guess is the budget. It is a small cost film, but if they had better financing, surely they would have pulled it off so much better than this. Now it is an average coming-of-age comedy- fantasy, but worth a watch if you are not forcing yourself into it.
5/10
I thought it was a children's and family film, but some of the references like relating to sex was a bold move. Though nothing was serious, if you are not considering the matter to the deep. It was just like any teen film, a simple topic. Creatively enough, but not impressive enough film. Those 70s were the plus point, especially for a comedy, that timeline is always so funny.
Decent performances and filmmaking, should have been improvised the screenplay. But my guess is the budget. It is a small cost film, but if they had better financing, surely they would have pulled it off so much better than this. Now it is an average coming-of-age comedy- fantasy, but worth a watch if you are not forcing yourself into it.
5/10
Growing up movie worth to watch!
mantroust31 October 2017
Greta is new in town. New school, new friends and she will be turning 15 soon! Some weird fantasies running through her teenage mind. She is confused about herself, not knowing how to get in touch with her peers. And few popular (and mean) school girls make pressure on her. As if that were not bad enough, her mother planned to organize a birthday party with Greta's new school mates...
Bethany Whitmore doing great job here as Greta. You can really feel with her. Unconventional fantasy story give you a thrill. Supporting characters are on the right place. Really good soundtrack with 70's feeling is really enjoyable.
This is an amazing, warm hearted, visually brilliant coming-of-age movie. Watch it!
Bethany Whitmore doing great job here as Greta. You can really feel with her. Unconventional fantasy story give you a thrill. Supporting characters are on the right place. Really good soundtrack with 70's feeling is really enjoyable.
This is an amazing, warm hearted, visually brilliant coming-of-age movie. Watch it!
While a interesting idea and fascinating aesthetic, the plot falls flat.
molinagrn19 October 2023
This movie definitely isn't the worst. The beginning had a good establishing of Greta, the school in a funny and interesting way. The transition style of the film is very creative, costume and sets are really nice, I also loved the otherworldly edits for posters and objects connected to Greta's childhood done in a life-like way. But towards the middle and third act, it felt messy and unexplored. We got more out of the real world rather than the fantasy one, it didn't really feel developed aside from a few things.
Not expecting Narnia levels or Where The Wild Things are of worldbuilding , but I think we needed more direction of this journey Greta takes in this fantasy world to feel more impactful. It just felt so fast and then things were just resolved.
Will give credit that the people behind it are very skilled, the story needed more work done to feel fleshed out for me to feel "wowed" by it.
Not expecting Narnia levels or Where The Wild Things are of worldbuilding , but I think we needed more direction of this journey Greta takes in this fantasy world to feel more impactful. It just felt so fast and then things were just resolved.
Will give credit that the people behind it are very skilled, the story needed more work done to feel fleshed out for me to feel "wowed" by it.
Creative, original
trancenational3 February 2022
People who dislike this movie probably have mainstream-shaped taste and minds unable to accept the story being told in any other way than what they expect. They just want the same old plot that makes sense. But this actually IS the same old plot, only in its surreal, oniric version, which is not for everyone, apparently. In my opinion this movie is well done and perfectly uses its means of expression to accomplish exactly what it intended. I admire the artists who manage to find their own expression.
A dazzling work of art
Sweetigal8528 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I have never been more thankful that I took a chance on a movie. This film shattered all of my expectations and resonated with me for days after I saw it. Whoever wrote it truly captured what goes on inside the mind of a fifteen year old girl and they knew how to illustrate her feelings and not dismiss them as nonsense or drama.
I would recommend this movie most for creative and artistic types. If The Hangover is your favorite movie, this is probably not the film for you.
The dialogue flows nicely in this movie and the characters are very real. I think people of any age would thoroughly enjoy this film, they just have to make sure to really think about what each scene means and not just see what is on the surface.
I really felt for the protagonist and it made me remember how turbulent my teen years were and how everyone is just so quick to dismiss, label or emotionally torture you when you are in high school. They really portrayed that so beautifully.
Greta's dream is a poetic experience that reflects the torrent of emotions she is feeling in her changing life. The ending absolutely blew me away, I wasn't expecting that at all. I was really able to understand all of the metaphors throughout her vision as well, though some of them hit me the very next day.
You will not be disappointed if you take a chance on this whimsical film. The acting of Greta and Elliott are amazing, the story is beautiful and the ending is sure to warm your heart.
I would recommend this movie most for creative and artistic types. If The Hangover is your favorite movie, this is probably not the film for you.
The dialogue flows nicely in this movie and the characters are very real. I think people of any age would thoroughly enjoy this film, they just have to make sure to really think about what each scene means and not just see what is on the surface.
I really felt for the protagonist and it made me remember how turbulent my teen years were and how everyone is just so quick to dismiss, label or emotionally torture you when you are in high school. They really portrayed that so beautifully.
Greta's dream is a poetic experience that reflects the torrent of emotions she is feeling in her changing life. The ending absolutely blew me away, I wasn't expecting that at all. I was really able to understand all of the metaphors throughout her vision as well, though some of them hit me the very next day.
You will not be disappointed if you take a chance on this whimsical film. The acting of Greta and Elliott are amazing, the story is beautiful and the ending is sure to warm your heart.
Adolescence as allegorical dreamscape
backwardsiris15 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Girl Asleep is a imaginative take on the wild ride that is adolescence. This tale is told from the perspective of Greta, an awkward Australian teen who moves to a new house & school on the precipice of her 15th birthday. Having moved to a new city around the same time in my life, I definitely identified with Greta's plight--the difficulties of making new friends in a place where it seems everyone knows each other, all while dealing with hormones, mean girls & overbearing parents. The family dynamics between Greta, her kooky parents (a dad who loves short-shorts & potty humor, a mom who matches her outfits to the meals she makes & works out on a stationary bike in wedge heels) and a surly, world-wise older sister, make for plenty of hilarious moments. Originally a stage play, written by Matthew Whittet (who also adapted the screenplay & plays Greta's father), this film takes place in the 1970s, with a groovy soundtrack to match (including SYLVESTER!). The color palette is eye-catching, and found somewhere in the center of a venn diagram joining Napoleon Dynamite & any Wes Anderson flick. The subtitles for the passing of time (& even the opening title) are cleverly interwoven into the scenes--appearing on a basketball or the growth chart on a bedroom door. I just realized that if I sat here & told you all the fun, quirky details in this movie, we could be here for hours. . . so I will move on from that. For the first 45 minutes of this movie, non-stop laughter filled the theater, at times making it hard to hear the dialog. We are all far enough removed from this age that we can easily laugh about the parts that made adolescence traumatic at the time. (To preface Chaplin &/or Keaton, "Tragedy is a close-up. Comedy, a long-shot".) When her parents throw her a birthday party (without her blessing), a trio of mean girls show up with a "present" for Greta in the form of a song called "You've Got No Tits" (which I've had stuck in my head since last night). With that, Greta retreats to her room, and the dream sequence begins (hence, the title). The heroine's quest for a music box that ensues is a perfect allegory for navigating the space between childhood & womanhood. This was the first foray into film for director Rosemary Myers & I look forward to seeing more of her work on the big screen.
Warm and quirky coming of age film.
andrewpbclarke4 May 2019
I really enjoyed this Australian coming of age film with a 1970s vibe. It has a Napoleon Dynamite/Moonrise Kingdom feel with a bit of magic thrown in and if that's what you like, you'll enjoy this. It had a few good one-liners that friends still quote today. The only this missing is an official release of the soundtrack, still most of the song are available to buy individually.
Incredable
geekerr12 June 2020
Amazing movie about transformation courage becoming oneself deeply spiritual .About finding oneself and the torment and challenge and courage it takes to be free and liberated to establish oneself in this life and world we live in
Very good
EdgarST17 April 2024
The Australian film «Girl Asleep» is a fascinating tale (based on a play by Matthew Whittet) that covers that difficult stage in which a woman becomes less and less a pre-adolescent little nymph and more of "wife material", according to traditional canons that throw her into the ring as a potential bride. This phase is closely associated with the 15th birthday, which gives rise to a line of rituals ranging from debutantes' sampling on the social scale to sexual brag, in dances, waltzes and pink dresses. In Cuba, in particular, it is a crazy celebration with gowns, crowns, photos, rides in 1950s convertible Cadillacs and excited mothers who celebrate their horny daughters.
In other cases, such as Greta, the protagonist of this film, the debutante does not want a party, she does not want a boyfriend or girlfriends of the "Heathers" type. Greta (endearing Bethany Whitmore) struggles to stay in her dream world of dolls and music boxes. During the birthday party --which opens with a delirious sequence to the rhythm of "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester--, the three "Heathers" arrive to spoil the party by singing about her lack of tits; her friend Elliott, whom his classmates call a "homo", proposes (a very funny performance by Harrison Feldman) and a being from the woods next to her house steals her music box. Greta chases the thing through the woods and enters a world that drastically breaks the tone that the film has held until then, between parody and absurdist comedy. We enter a dark and threatening dimension that Greta has to flee from if she does not want to be devoured by canine entities that we hear but never see clearly. With the help of a young forest Amazon, Greta flees and returns to the party, but before she must go through other rites to come to terms with her family, with Elliott and her 15 years old life.
The associations that have been made to this film directed by Rosemary Myers, are with Wes Anderson's cinema and surrealism. It does have that tone, but also a bit of Susan Seidelman's female fantasies and it strongly reminds me of Neil Jordan's «The Company of Wolves», a film about of Little Red Riding Hood's sexual initiation with the Hunter who is also the Wolf, with the difference that in «Girl Asleep» it is a single story, while in Jordan's movie the story of Little Red Riding Hood is crossed with folk tales about werewolves, nymphs in heat and knowing grandmothers. Myers' movie obviously does not contain the horror sequences that abound in Jordan's, but both films are intelligent and visually ingenious works that equate that moment of social and sexual validation with the stories and characters that filled our childhood's fantasies. Highly recommended.
In other cases, such as Greta, the protagonist of this film, the debutante does not want a party, she does not want a boyfriend or girlfriends of the "Heathers" type. Greta (endearing Bethany Whitmore) struggles to stay in her dream world of dolls and music boxes. During the birthday party --which opens with a delirious sequence to the rhythm of "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester--, the three "Heathers" arrive to spoil the party by singing about her lack of tits; her friend Elliott, whom his classmates call a "homo", proposes (a very funny performance by Harrison Feldman) and a being from the woods next to her house steals her music box. Greta chases the thing through the woods and enters a world that drastically breaks the tone that the film has held until then, between parody and absurdist comedy. We enter a dark and threatening dimension that Greta has to flee from if she does not want to be devoured by canine entities that we hear but never see clearly. With the help of a young forest Amazon, Greta flees and returns to the party, but before she must go through other rites to come to terms with her family, with Elliott and her 15 years old life.
The associations that have been made to this film directed by Rosemary Myers, are with Wes Anderson's cinema and surrealism. It does have that tone, but also a bit of Susan Seidelman's female fantasies and it strongly reminds me of Neil Jordan's «The Company of Wolves», a film about of Little Red Riding Hood's sexual initiation with the Hunter who is also the Wolf, with the difference that in «Girl Asleep» it is a single story, while in Jordan's movie the story of Little Red Riding Hood is crossed with folk tales about werewolves, nymphs in heat and knowing grandmothers. Myers' movie obviously does not contain the horror sequences that abound in Jordan's, but both films are intelligent and visually ingenious works that equate that moment of social and sexual validation with the stories and characters that filled our childhood's fantasies. Highly recommended.
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