Besties

Director's Marion Desseigne-Ravel film isn't breaking new ground when it comes to this coming of age film. But at it's rather short running time of 1hr 15mins, she's delivers quite a lot in this Lesbian budding love story between two 18 year olds. Lina El Arabi (seen last in Netflix's Furies) plays Nedjma, a young woman who tries to come across like she's this tough cookie in front of her friends (one of who is her younger sister) but in reality is quiet and gentle. El Arabi really carries the film, she's especially great in the second half of the film when the truth comes out about Nedjma. She soon meets Zina, a beautiful young woman who brings out romantic feelings in the closed off Nedjma. After a bit of trouble between both young women, they soon fall in love. Esther Bernet-Rollande who plays Zina, is one stunning looking young woman. But she really brings lot of tenderness and love to Zina, who's way to gentle and loving for the tough inner city area she lives in. Soon their relationship comes to light. And Nedjma is soon shunned by her friends and even her own sister (she does win her sister around, but the friends by the end have moved on from Nedjma and her sister). I did like the plot with Zina's cousin, she's seen early into the film as bit of a bully. But really she's only looking after Zina, Nedjma friends do start the trouble to be fair. And all she wants is for Zina to be happy. There is a 20 minute run in the film where it's pretty downbeat. But we get a somewhat happy ending. Zina and Nedjma have reunited but will keep their love to their rooftop of the apartment. But will keep their distance outside, basically to be safe from any bullying or attacks. She's lost her friends but in the end Nedjma is happier in herself. Really good film, with a excellent central performance and film doesn't outstay it's welcome.

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