Girls Never Die

Girls Never Die, directed by Anna Odell, is a 2018 Swedish psychological thriller film loosely based on a true story. The narrative revolves around Anna Odell, a Swedish artist who, in her youth, reported being subjected to abuse and molestation by her mother's boyfriend. Born out of this traumatic experience is the character of Anna, portrayed by Odell, a socially awkward but determined individual in her late teens. Her mother's live-in partner, Erik, played by Björn Andresen's lookalike, Ingemar Carlsson, exercises immense control over their home and manipulates Anna's perception of reality. As the story progresses, Anna finds it increasingly difficult to distinguish between her actual experiences and her distorted perceptions of them. She becomes obsessed with the possibility of her father still being alive, which serves as a catalyst for her descent into paranoia and a re-examination of her childhood trauma. The narrative of Girls Never Die delves into themes of abuse, manipulation, and trauma by using a semi-autobiographical framework. Odell skillfully utilizes a combination of factual events and artistic liberties to depict the lasting impact these experiences had on her life and psyche. Throughout the film, there appears to be an omnipresent force governing the events in Anna's reality. Her perception of this force varies throughout her journey. In some instances, she views it as a guardian angel, watching over her, while in others, it represents a malevolent entity that threatens her well-being. Anna becomes increasingly consumed by these fragmented perceptions of her past experiences, forcing her to challenge the notion of truth in her recollections. These internal battles often occur in isolation, which only heightens her perception of being disconnected from the world around her. Her relationships with those near her begin to deteriorate, including ties with a close friend, which further isolates her. One of the central plot points revolves around the notion of the 'Twenty-four dreams'. For Anna, these dreams seem to be messages from an external entity guiding her on her journey towards self-discovery and confronting her traumatic past. They take the form of vivid, prophetic sequences that hold symbolic significance, hinting at the darker reality she's trying to escape. The film explores a range of emotions that mirror Anna's fluctuating mental state. The cinematic style incorporates elements of surrealism, with the boundaries between reality and fantasy becoming increasingly blurred as the narrative unfolds. As the climax of Girls Never Die reaches its conclusion, the film culminates in a pivotal moment where Anna forces confrontation with the traumatic events from her childhood. The manner in which Odell chooses to present this pivotal turning point is deliberately ambiguous, leaving room for interpretation as to what is reality and what is Anna's perception of it. Ultimately, Girls Never Die becomes an exploration of mental states, the fragmentation of memories, and how personal experiences shape one's perception of truth. Odell masterfully weaves a narrative that oscillates between fact and fiction, delving into the intricacies of trauma and the complexities of the human psyche. As the story concludes, Anna appears to be on a path towards recovery, having finally confronted the traumatic events of her past. This newfound understanding serves as a foundation for Anna to rebuild her relationships with others and find a way to move forward in her life. Throughout the duration of the film, the notion of 'unite as twenty-four dreams' takes center stage – representing the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, and serving as an overarching theme that underscores the film's exploration of trauma, perception, and the human condition.