Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Twee indie musical about art's healing power has charm.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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God Help the Girl
What's the Story?
In GOD HELP THE GIRL, the titular girl is Eve (Emily Browning) who's in a Glasgow mental-health facility being treated for depression and anorexia. She copes with her issues by writing and singing songs. After she's released, she moves in to the same flat as new friend James (Olly Alexander), a sensitive singer-songwriter who makes ends meet as a lifeguard and a music instructor. Soon, Eve and James (who's obviously falling in love with Eve) team up with his willowy, posh music student, Cassie (Hannah Murray). During the course of the summer, the trio frolics around Glasgow, making music and enjoying one another's friendship.
Is It Any Good?
The music is conversational and catchy and adorable, as are the actors. Viewers who can't stand sentimental pop ballads may feel more like Eve's boyfriend, Anton (Pierre Boulanger), the hunky Swiss German frontman of a band making the local rounds. He's into Eve but thinks her music is childish, depressing, and amateurish. But if you're a Belle & Sebastian fan or enjoy musicals, God Help the Girl will be a refreshing alternative to mega-budgeted Broadway adaptations. Mature, artistic teens who themselves are questioning who they are, what they'll do after graduation, and what it means to be an artist will particularly enjoy Murdoch's lovely (and timeless) little musical.
Director Stuart Murdoch, of Belle & Sebastian, wrote all of the film's songs and worked on this labor of love for years, culminating in a successful Kickstarter campaign that helped him finance the movie. He cast it beautifully: Browning has a sweet but surprisingly crisp voice that pairs perfectly with her expressive eyes and her brooding character's moods. She just has to sing, write, and get the music out of her, whereas James (the adorably nerdy Alexander) is more ambitious about creating a sublime pop song that will withstand the test of time. Then there's Cassie (audiences will recognize her as Gilly from Game of Thrones), who just wants to have fun and is enthusiastically game for anything that Eve cooks up for the three of them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the popularity of unconventional musicals. Why do you think these sorts of musicals appeal to audiences? Do you prefer indie musicals like this one and Once or more produced ones like Chicago and Les Miserables? Why?
God Help the Girl isn't a typical romance or even a romance at all; why do you think the filmmaker decided against depicting a predictable romance between the two main characters?
Do the characters face their issues realistically? Are they relatable? Do you know anyone who's dealt with similar challenges?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 5, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : April 14, 2015
- Cast : Emily Browning , Hannah Murray , Olly Alexander
- Director : Stuart Murdoch
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Amplify
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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