Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: White Girl (2016)

What is it about? 

After a night of partying, a sophomore girl falls hard for a guy she just met in an ungentrified part of New York City, which leads to an array of issues as she attempts to get him back. 

Who is in it? 

Morgan Saylor - Leah

Brian Marc - Blue

Justin Bartha - Kelly 

Favorite Scene:

[Spoiler Alert] 

After getting arrested, Blue stares at Leah intensely, evoking so many thoughts within the plot, and externally in real life, for the viewer. 

Favorite Quote: 

Don't do drugs, aright? 

Review: 

White Girl is a very good movie, but I'll admit, it's not for everyone. Truthfully, with all of the sex and drugs scenes in the early part of the film, I wasn't sure exactly where the movie was going and did have thoughts about just ending it. But I'm glad I continued through. 

The film, directed by Elizabeth Wood, and based off her own college experiences, touches heavily on the plight of white privilege, and even dances on other themes like the male dominating patriarchy found in certain situations. As the film concludes, the entire thing comes full circle and helps you put in place the experiences of each character, especially Leah and Blue. Despite being connected and having affection, for Blue, the whole thing was serious and about survival, and for Leah, trapped in her white privilege, everything was about fun, partying, and as she states "I always figure it out". 

The last scene even evokes that sentiment where Leah's life continues as normal, and Blue, well, he becomes another statistic. 

Morgan Saylor was absolutely terrific in this film. I didn't know much about her before this, but she definitely embraced the role and portrayed it very, very well. It reminds me a lot of Michelle Williams' effort from Blue Valentine. 

Again, this film isn't for everyone. Lots of heavy and graphic stuff, so beware. But, it definitely is for purpose as it sends a very heavy message regarding white privilege in our society. 

Grade: 3.5/5

Recent Favorites

Quick Ponder: The Long Way

The long way is, the best way,  if the Lord is on it. 

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/15/24

3 Up 1. James Earl Jones - The voice GOAT. But I'll always remember him in one of my favorite movies, Coming to America , in the absolute epic role of King Joffe Joffer. "Where is my son, Akeem!". A great gift to us.   2. A'ja Wilson - The WNBA has entered our mainstream sports landscape because of Caitlin Clark. Yes, that is very true. But there is an amazing talent in A'ja Wilson who continues to dominate, and this week, she set the single-season scoring record and likely will do the same in smashing the single-season rebound record.  3. Inflation Lowest in 3 Years - I know it's a hot-button issue during this election season. BUT! It is the lowest it's been in three years. I'm not crediting or blaming anyone! Just saying! Enjoy the change, y'all.  3 Down 1. Trump Shooting at Golf Course - Look, this is crazy. No matter how you feel about Trump, your thoughts on him as a Presidential candidate, or anything else regarding politics, this should NOT

Thoughts on Second 2024 Presidential Debate

That was soooooooooo much different than what we witnessed in the first debate.  So. Much. Different.  Yet, why does it still feel like not much was impacted? Overall, I stepped away from this debate with the overarching theme that Kamala Harris did what she needed to do. And that was not engage in a pity back-and-forth with Trump who wants to muddy the waters of any debate or discourse, force him to bring something new to the table and force him to get into a policy discussion beyond the usual surface sayings and fire-alarm narratives.  She did that.  For Trump. He has his voters. He is not losing them. But I thought Trump didn't do enough to interest those voters who have soured on him as well as those who are not yet sold on Kamala (this administration, or even the Democratic Party).  We saw the same from Trump. No need to answer questions. Dictate the narrative with what you want. Reply with emotion. Evade policy discussion. And you know, be Trump.  Was there a winner? In a tra