When 15-year-old Emma lands a competitive spot on a young women's equestrian acrobatics team, she is taken under the wing of her slightly older peer Cassandra. Obsessed with strength and control, Emma covets Cassandra's natural grace and poise, while Cassandra in turn silently desires more than just Emma's discipline. The psychological stakes of their friendship intensify as the two jockey for top position, and loyalty is traded for unbridled power. Meanwhile, Emma's curious and innocent eight-year-old sister (in a remarkably complex performance delivered by rising star Isabella Lindquist) is prematurely spurred to confront the treacherous frontiers of sexuality and womanhood on her own.
"Delivering one of the most intense and complex feature debuts to come from Sweden since Lukas Moodyson’s Show Me Love, helmer Lisa Aschan thrillingly subverts the coming-of-age genre, political correctness, gender roles and (without ever becoming graphic) just about everything to do with the depiction of developing sexuality in the taboo-breaking She Monkeys."
Variety
"With her mysterious, gripping debut, Swedish director Lisa Aschan deliciously subverts the coming-of-age formula."
Time Out
"An intriguing and unsettling exploration of female friendship, rivalry and burgeoning sexuality."
Movie Talk
Film Festivals:
Tribeca Film Festival
Transilvania International Film Festival
Outfest
Berlin International Film Festival
Film Awards:
Tribeca Film Festival - Best Narrative Feature
Guldbagge - Best Film
Dragon Award Best Nordic Film
FIPRESCI Critics Award
Berlin International Film Festival - Crystal Bear Special Mention
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