God Help the Girl (2014) User Reviews

Belle and Sebastian, the movie

[Nynaeve · 6/10 · 16 September 2014]

There was a lot to like about God Help the Girl but despite a few good individual scenes, but it didn't flow together as a story that well. Maybe writer/director Stuart Murdoch needed more creative feedback and better editors than he got. Certain scenes and characters just show up out of nowhere with little connection to the rest of the story, like the WTF scene of Eve going on a bender with some girl we never see before or since. The main character of Eve was weakly written. Her past and her motivations were vague. The movie would have been far better with James and Cassie as main characters and Eve as a side character.

You could see God Help The Girl as a culmination of Belle & Sebastian's (a band named after a fictional band that Murdoch's songwriting centered on) characters and themes spanning their nearly 20 years as a band. James, Cassie and Eve seem derived from the archetypal characters from B&S's songs. The movie though develops them in a shallow and haphazard way that doesn't really do justice to the insights and characters brilliantly explored in the individual songs. I think Murdoch could make a good movie, but God Help The Girl was just so-so. The music was excellent at least.

Light story and easy listening songs combination

[Seraphion · 6/10 · 6 September 2014]

The story focuses on Eve, a girl in Glasgow, Scotland, who's on medication for some emotional caused eating disorders. She like to write songs, which is her own way to cope with her problems. Sometimes she sneaks out and go to live music clubs, where one night she meets James, an aspiring musician. Later James introduces her to Cassie, James' guitar pupil, and they form a band. Before meeting Cassie, Eve also starts a romance with Anton but she doesn't introduce him to James and Cassie. One day the band gets a gig scheduled. At the time they are discussing it, Anton comes and Eve goes with him.

Turns out, Anton didn't do what Eve asked him on the day they first meet. When she goes back to James, he gets awkward and kind of avoids her. Without Cassie, Eve then went without direction and gets sick again. James visits her and they reconcile. After giving her songs for Cassie to sing in the band, she goes to James' place asking his opinion about her going to college. He objects to it, but after the band's one last performance with Eve I it, James accompanies Eve as she takes the train to her college life.

The story is based on the director Stuart Murdoch's real life music project with the same title. An indie band Belle and Sebastian leader himself, he created the project having female vocalists and his band on the instruments. The story may be a sugar coated fiction about the real project's female vocalists, but at least it's not hyperbolic ally done. Yes the movie does end up showing scenes of music writing, the usual element of a movie about music, especially indie musicians.

We may see the more realistic, even not seldom full of conflicts, creative stages of music writing in Frank (2014), but this movie doesn't really overdo it. We are presented with the just right blend of realistic and musical interpretation of the creative process scenes. The story feels so light that it may bore some people who seek more conflicts in the movie or stronger depiction in the screenplay. But the movie kept me watching due to curiosity on what will happen to the band; will it be a cliché about being famous, they break up, or what?

The music has some pretty good hum along songs. Well, they are even better to sing along if we know the lyrics. The songs are very easy listening in nature that they don't bore people with them. The amount of dancing done for each song is just enough that they help how the songs feel yet they don't make it feel that much like any standard musical does. The actors, especially Emily Browning in the lead role, can really get the feel on lip-syncing those songs.

The acting just a decent okay overall for me. Emily Browning is successful in her lead role here, utilizing just enough facial expressions to maintain her ill character while doing the lip-syncs energetically. Olly Alexander did enough to give the story some balance and keep the romance going, even at the discreet rate at the earlier stages of the movie. Hannah Murray gets into the cheerful nature of her character nicely. I like how she did the canoe scenes and the scene where Eve and James asks her to go out as just wakes up. Pierre Boulanger nicely kept the cam composure of a confident band vocalist, and especially it gets better with his accent.

One thing worth mentioning is the great job done in the costume designs. I like how the costumes are always eye catching for all the scenes, both in the designs and color matching. The costumes really puts the camera's focus onto the characters as they help attract the viewers' eyes.

My say for God Help The Girl (2014) is a solid 6 out of 10. A light story combined with nice easy listening songs is quite a nice recipe combination for this movie.

Based on ...

[kosmasp · 6/10 · 17 May 2015]

Something I unfortunately (?) hadn't discovered prior to watching the movie. This being a musical of some sorts, it won't be everyones cup of tea (be aware of that prior to watching, not to blame the movie after wards). The acting is good, the issues are relatable. Relationships are sort of obvious (as are feelings, even if the main characters sometimes seem to be oblivious to them for whatever reason that is and the viewer won't be able to tell).

As with every good musical there's also a lot of drama (this is going for the relationships and growing up, friendships and so forth). It's nicely told with an easy pace to follow. I liked the ending, which also might not be to everyones taste, but I didn't feel anything super special from the movie. Decent/good effort then

Not much happening but still pleasant to watch

[ComedyFan2010 · 6/10 · 6 December 2017]

A movie about a young woman with an eating disorder trying to deal with the real life and using music.

It is a pretty nice idea. The movie doesn't really have much depth though. We don't really know much about characters and don't see them develop very far. It is just a little episode of their lives when they were talking about making a band.

The reason why it isn't a very deep movie is probably because it is a musical. There is more focus on the songs than on the characters and their personalities and stories. My problem in this case that I am not a fan of this kind of music. The songs had a pleasant sound to them but they all sounded kind of the same. Their performance was also not very exciting. Emily Browning was a great singer but there was nothing happening during the songs. Just some walking or sitting in a tub. The only song that stood out for me was the one they performed at the retirement home. This is probably because it was the one performance that seemed to have real energy and character.

Still the movie was not bad. I think what helped a lot were the visuals. The style and the settings were beautiful. My favorite part of the movie was them kayaking. Mainly because of the gorgeous scenery.

what I wish I'd been been doing while ill in my early 20s, I think.

[dailyshampoo48 · 25 October 2014]

although I'm sure I could have never been so obnoxious.

three young adults drone on about music and the meaning of life. despite the global recession, glasgow is a pretty peachy place to live; there's a distinct lack of food insecurity, job scarcity, impossible rent and heating bills. that guy who chats you up at the gig isn't a total skeeze. maybe this is is all on purpose; maybe it's supposed to be a fantasy.

I've been following b&s for quite a while, despite the twee label. reading thru old interviews many of the events of the fiim are in fact quite autobiographical; there's a depth to the music which has been earned. I got the distinct impression that ms browning did not have quite that same depth, furthermore she seemed to struggle to relate to her character. this is fine is mr murdoch's intention was to create a light romantic-comedy-musical, but if so, why include the darker elements? it's possible that I'm entirely too close to the subject matter. a painful watch, and, what's worse, poorly acted.

**edit** let's face it; this really wanted to be a film about ME but murdoch was either frightened of being so honest or didn't think it would sell tickets. as someone who had ME, I know what he is trying to say but won't say. it doesn't work! I can totally understand the compartmentalization at stake here: the need to exist in a state of semi-bourgeois lightheartedness; to lie; but the script betrays itself.

maybe some day someone can write a feature film on what it's like to have your life totally stripped away from you before age 20; to exist in a twilight zone of the barely living; to have to pretend that it's not happening to you and you are "only" anorexic and depressed. this wasn't it!

Lovely

[Jiovana · 7/10 · 1 January 2020]

I loved this movie just because I had a Great love for God Help The Girl and Belle & Sebastian Their music helped me get through so many things and seeing this movie full of their songs made it just Amazing. It's cozy and fun movie. If you know God Help The Girl you will Love it. If you don't know them you will fall in love my dear.

Good film, ruined by awful casting.

[mylesjongordon · 7/10 · 18 July 2016]

~~~STORY~~~

Eva is a mentally unstable teenage girl, and finds that the only way to soothe herself is song writing. When she finds out about her musical talent, she escapes the hospital that she's in and stumbles across James in a nightclub. The two form a friendship and then Eva meets Cassie, who James mentors for guitar. They all decide to form a band.

~~~STORY REVIEW~~~

The story, on the surface, is really good. Each scenario leading up to the band's formation is convincing and pretty realistic. Even during the band's "active" days, it's a somewhat convincing story. The ending.... yeah no. The ending really didn't do much for me at all, and left me with a feeling of "oh, that's it?". Pretty good story overall.

~~~MUSIC~~~

Stuart Murdoch (director and writer for GHTG) is a songwriter. He's written songs for Belle and Sebastian for around 3 decades, so it's no surprise that the songs in this film are top class, and reflect Stuart's obvious ability to write songs, even in the unfamiliar environment for writing for movies.

~~~CAST~~~

I've been following GHTG since around 2009, when the soundtrack with the original characters came out with. The voices in these were good singing voices, but I wasn't sure how the voices would be able to act.

Stuart Murdoch also probably thought this and got new members for the cast.

Emily Browning plays Eve, the main character. A pretty nice casting option if I'm honest. She fits the character pretty well and has a nice singing voice, and fits the film's vibe pretty well, holding strong in the sad and the happy parts of the film. Pretty convincing character.

Olly Alexander plays James. Again, a nice casting choice, with a nice singing voice and fits the hipster vibe of the film pretty well. Nothing to complain about here.

Now, seems good doesn't it? Well, let me get to f***ing Hannah Murray. Her voice is the most irritating thing I've ever heard in my life. She can't sing and all of her dialog and her scenes are ruined by her irritating voice. It's a shame that the main characters couldn't be all good.

~~~CONCLUSION~~~

This film is certainly great. Blank out Hannah Murray's voice, and you get some great songs out of it (wouldn't expect less from Stuart Murdoch) and a pretty feel-good vibe. It's overall a pretty nice romance/music film, although the ending just is kinda............... eh. Lazy and rushed ending just kinda ruins it a bit for me.

Shallow

[Criborama · 4/10 · 14 February 2015]

For some reason I expected a little more from Stuart Murdoch who has written some beautiful songs, even though with varying degrees of lollipop. In God Help The Girl he does a few things well. The dance and musical sequences, though possibly jarring to some, are blended into the film reasonably well. But the rest of it is pretty shallow. It's as if he had the idea of jumping into the ocean but got to the edge and just paddled, not really able or wanting to get wet. For example, James is potentially an interesting character but Stuart doesn't develop him beyond the paper thin. At one point in the film, Anton (Pierre Boulanger) describes Eve's music as, and I'm paraphrasing, baby stories for young girls. I think Anton's analysis could equally apply to God Help The Girl.

I liked it

[century_of_fakers · 10/10 · 24 September 2014]

Having read the reviews, I wasn't really sure what to expect when I began seeing GHTG. I should say that I have been a B&S fan since 1997 or 1998 when I discovered "If you're feeling sinister" and I have all their releases up until 1998 as well as the debut album of Gentle Waves. Their music has really influenced me as a person and I really was curious of what a film based on their songs would look like.

I felt happy watching GHTG but it was also really emotional. Being in my mid-30s it reminded me of my dreams as a teenager and I began asking myself if there's still time to accomplish them. I strongly identified with the character of James and his search for the perfect moment, which makes it impossible to enjoy life. I recognized Eve in the many talented, self-destructive, impulsive people I have met in my life and all the opportunities I had to make my life a little more interesting.

GHTG is full of color. The characters dress up in all kinds of costumes, and yes it is unrealistic but I think what many fail to realize is that our fondest memories are usually very different than what we really experienced. Everything is more colorful and stylish in our memories, like a Belle and Sebastian album cover.

I had read that there is no plot to the movie, but I don't agree at all. I think both Eve and James are wonderfully developed characters and Cassie is also an interesting character whose presence makes the story better. And the music is also wonderful. I was very pleased with Emily Browning's singing performance. She not only has a great voice but she also seemed to be really invested in the songs which made her character more believable.

I loved the film's bittersweet ending as well as the many funny and awkward moments (James fighting his drummer, James and Eve showing up at Cassie's house or the drunk Scottish boys whose accent Cassie couldn't understand). This may not be a film for everyone, but I think the world would be a better place if more people listened to Belle & Sebastian and all I can do is thank Stuart Murdoch, the actors and everyone else involved in making this film.

Quite enjoyable.

[patriciogl10 · 7/10 · 26 March 2020]

It gives me such a warm feeling personally, when I witness the beginning of a musical project, a journey so fulfilling, specially when it can bring out the best, musically, in each member. Most of the creative output comes from pain rather than happiness, and main character Eve is no stranger to that, as she is going through some tough times. This film was written and and directed by Stuart Murdoch, perhaps better known as the lead singer and songwriter of celebrated indie band, Belle & Sebastian. Considering he had no prior working experience in filmmaking, I believe God Help the Girl is a decent effort, pretty much sustained on the soundtrack tunes, which is very admirable, even though the story is moved to the background in terms of narrative importance. The songs need the story and the story needs the songs, but ultimately the songs end up making up for the viewing experience. I particulary enjoyed the story overall, with its cloudy Scottish weather, its young and relatable characters, the wonderful songs and the joy I get when I see musicians do what they do best, which is to create and to perform, a feeling I most happily relate to.

The acting is fine, there isn't anything groundbreaking by any means, nor is deplorable at all, I find it in a stable middle range. It's pretty simple, if you like Belle & Sebastian's music or indie music or maybe just good music in general, you will most certainly approve this film.

Twee and vexatious. God Help the Girl ranks among the year's worst.

[aaskillz69 · 3/10 · 25 September 2014]

Cassie: "If you went to the pub now, around the corner and you were like: "I everyone, I'm Scottish." Someone would punch you in the face" Eve: "Absolutely"

I knew absolutely nothing about the film, going in i didn't even know it was a musical. I remember it premiering at Sundance and getting some good buzz but after that, it kind of faded. But it has been now on a limited release and the talk is that it's flawed but worth seeing, and so i did.

God Help the Girl is Directed by Stuart Murdoch and it stars Emily Browning, Olly Alexander, Hannah Murray, Pierre Boulanger and Cora Bissett. "Set in Glasgow, Scotland, the film is about a girl called Eve who is in the hospital dealing with some emotional problems and starts writing songs as a way of getting better. Songwriting becomes her way forward, leading her to the City where she meets James and Cassie, two musicians each at crossroads of their own. What follows is a story of renaissance over the course of a long, dream-like Summer"

"WE ARE SEX BOB-OMB!!! ONE-TWO-THREE-FOUR"...Wait...wrong movie. Sh*t i have just seen this picture and i literally can not remember any of it's musical performances, which tells a lot about the movie itself. Unfortunately this is not something nearly as awesome as Scott Pilgrim VS The World. This is too a coming of age story of sorts, that unfortunately loses itself in a middle of a sugar coated and tonally inconsistent melodrama that i pretty much hated.

As said, i didn't know what the film was about, i was expecting some kind of coming of age story and ultimately i guess you can say that this is what that is, but not one that features musical numbers. Early on i realized that this was going to be a musical but it seemed as though it was going to be a serious one, since the sub- plot of the main character contains heavy and serious subjects as anorexia.

It actually even took me a while to realize that the characters were adults since from the poster and the actors themselves, it seemed as though they were thirteen. The film also took some time in deciding it's tone, well to be fair it actually never decides. That's one the film's biggest problems, the fact that it is inconsistent. One minute we follow the dramatic moments of Eve's like and her health issues and the other moment we see James running in front of a on growing mob, like he is Buster Keaton in Seven Chances or The Beatles in A Hard Day's Night. Tonally the film meanders from being sentimental, to being silly, to being straight up awkward and even dramatic. The problem is that it's not ever good at anyone of those.

I struggled a lot to care for any of it. In it's first act the film settles up with a more serious tone and it focuses more in Eve's health decease and overall depression. Then in the second act, i finally started to enjoy myself, especially with the entry of Cassie's character whose actually pretty funny and as some good lines. In those moments, the three actors were at times able to capture the friendship of their characters, but all of that seems to be a minor part of the film after it's third act. In the third act the film's tone is completely off as it goes from being joyful to being depressing. I was confused and didn't care much for any of what was going on. It's also in the last third of the film that we find a series of musical numbers that were woeful and vexatious. They weren't musical numbers they were almost video clips within an actual film. Their presence felt awkward, most of the songs were superficial and lacking on emotion or dept (or at least i didn't feel any)

The actors are not particularly bad but i can't say i was amused or welcomed their presence. These hipster looking kids never manage to charm me and to say the truth by the end of the picture i could barely stand seeing them.

God Help the Girl is a film that might touch and charm some, but my cold stoned heart was not moved in any way. It's sugar coated to an extend where it's whimsy actually becomes numbing and annoying. It has good intentions and it even might be close to the heart of those involved but that did certainly not translate into the screen. It's never funny enough and it's songs are never catchy or good enough to make this an enjoyable or worth seeing experience. I almost couldn't finish it, one of the worst pictures i have seen all year, now i have to go and to an exam to check if i have diabetes.

Rating:D+

If you didn't appreciate it for what it is, you probably had no business watching it

[Don_Flamenco · 9/10 · 14 September 2014]

I remember back in 2008 when I stumbled across the God Help the Girl album. A huge B&S fan, it was recommended by the I Tunes bot, and while i usually pass on those, I couln't help but be intrigued by a musical with music by Stuart Murdoch.

Loved the album, couldn't wait for the movie, though at the time, details were sketchy at best. As years past, the album remained a mainstay on my pod rotation, but I'd essentially forgotten that it was intended as a soundtrack to something.

Then a few months back, I came across the God Help the Girl, the actual soundtrack, and found that it was finally coming out. I knew it was a small Indie movie, and it would be a while before I got to see it, and I expected that. Then last night, the Gods of awesome smiled upon me when my wife told me that it was On Demand in the In Theatres section. And all was well.

Anyway, to the movie. Again, it is what I expected. To some up the story, such as it is, you only need two words; hipsters and music. It is all shot in very retro fashion, and nails that part. Like the Beatles movies of the 1960s, the story is essentially a vehicle to travel from song to song, most of which are essentially music videos, and shot as such. And again, knowing what to expect, that's wonderful. What's even better is that the actors are well aware of this. Emily Browning may mot be Jennifer Lawrence in terms of name recognition, but she's a bigger name than I would have expected here, and effortlessly believable.

The only blemish is that some of the songs feel shoehorned in. Act of the Apostle (which is actually Act of the Apostle II in the B&S catalogue,) feels random and out of place as an opening number. Again, such is the nature of this type of film, but this one feels like they just wanted to eek i in, so used it as an opening number. Also, the title song, as well as my favorite, Perfection as a Hipster are not done justice, especially the later, which plays softly in the background via the radio, though be it in an appropriate scene.

All and all, like the afore mentioned Beatles films, this ones about the music. While the acting's wonderful, the story isn't going to reel you in. My recommendation is to listen to the music first, be it the 2008 studio album or the movie soundtrack. Or both. If you like the music, watch the movie. If not, you'll probably be, dare I say...bored out of your mind.

Twee as f*k

[solidforger · 6/10 · 14 October 2014]

Twee movie in which three job-less kids in their tweens engage in naive dialogue that may or may not include dancing and singing while delivering the occasional witty line.

Better yet, three twee kids in their tweens come of age and get friendzoned while doing other random stuff.

Also, enjoyable twee music all around and great fashion show. Glasgonian accents are all over the place, which accidentally makes the film more twee than expected.

Watch this if you don't mind some twee in your life. Otherwise, avoid and never mind that Belle & Sebastian band.

Disappointing

[culicmladen · 4/10 · 15 September 2016]

I adore the 2008. album God help the girl, but the movie is mainly below any expectation. Such a shame ... almost nothing works. maybe only two main characters are fine but the rest is so disappointing; other actors, story, tempo, etc..

I can't even remember if the title song is presented in the movie at all?? Someone else wrote that Hannay Murray is not the right actress for the role. I agree! I liked her in her role as long as she didn't sing. She ruined quite a few songs for me - not her fault, but directors/production

I wouldn't even recommend it to a hardcore fan of the God help the girl album. It just doesn't do justice to it.

The Vidiot Reviews...

[capone666 · 6/10 · 17 April 2015]

God Help The Girl

The unique thing about all-female pop groups is once a month they transform into aggressive punk bands.

Fortunately, the group in this musical has a male member to balance the hormones.

With aspirations of becoming a musician, Eve (Emily Browning) escapes the hospital where she is being treated for anorexia and heads to Glasgow.

At a show she encounters a guitar player, James (Olly Alexander), with equal aspirations.

With James' guitar student Cassie (Hannah Murray) rounding out the band, the trio start writing songs for an upcoming show.

But Eve's desire to get a proper education threatens to end the band before it begins.

Conceived by Belle and Sebastian front man Stuart Murdoch, God Help the Girl drips with the indie band's lovelorn melodies and hipster aesthetic; however, what it lacks is a compelling story that addresses Eve's eating disorder.

Besides, bands are more successful when assembled by record company executives.

Yellow Light

vidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

Cute, Feel-good and Charming, but Clumsy.

[SpookyPie88 · 7/10 · 5 November 2014]

Having seen God Help the Girl evolve from it's Kickstarter roots to its coming together as an actual film; I was really looking forward to the final completion. The trailer alone seemed to promise a charming little story of a fledgling pop group and the quirks of its individual members.

Though attractive and feel-good, the actual film was a bit disappointing. The music seems to pop up randomly and awkwardly, serving little purpose to the story, and the choreography is clumsy. Some parts of the musical numbers are almost embarrassing to watch. Even the wonderful Emily Browning just resorts to a doe-eyed pouting when singing the songs, as they are often unrelated to the scene and I presume she was left clueless as to how else to perform them.

The non-musical moments aren't much better. The scenes don't run smoothly from each other. For example, one moment the band are infuriated at their lack of progress. They have songs, but they have yet to perform any of them. Yet, upon advertising for members they are chased by an enthusiastic mob of auditionees. It creates a fun scene but it came from nowhere and then leads nowhere.

A French love interest for Eve is another redundant theme. Nothing is offered to the plot and nothing is gained. He disappears just as unnoticeably as he entered. Later on, Eve gets wasted and parties around town with a dancer who only appears for that one scene, another confusing addition.

Where the film shines is in the moments where the band members just live their lives and dream. There is a lovely scene in which Eve, Cassie and James take a boat trip, talk frivolously and drink wine. Later on, they play in an outdoor gym whilst discussing their intentions for their band . And another scene at the pool when they debate David Bowie's place in a girl's coming of age. Sweet moments that endear us to the film and the characters.

But, for all these moments, the main characters of Eve, Cassie and James are only ever touched upon superficially. We get that Eve is troubled, James is a dreamer and Cassie is child-like. But that is all we get.

In the final scenes Eve overdoses, and the only thing this serves to the film is her awakening that the band isn't good enough for her. At the end Eve just gets on a train and leaves, bored of the band and their music. The relationship established throughout the film just thrown away, and it leaves the film to crumble around it. At the end of the film we are exactly where we were at the beginning, and it feels like a monumental waste of time.

Having said all of this, I did find the film very cute and watchable. It is sweet and charming, almost twee at times, but I just feel that it could have been so much more than it actually was. I also feel that James and Cassie were the protagonists of this film and that the story would have been better suited to them. It would have been more likable. The film ends with them riding off together on Cassie's tandem bicycle, and we realise too late that we should have been rooting for these two the entire film, and not the selfish and destructive Eve.

not good enough

[PennyReviews · 4/10 · 9 August 2015]

Eve is straggling emotionally, and her only escape is her music. Through that, she'll meet James and Cassie and the three of them will form a band. Maybe I was expecting too much from the movie, and I really can't decide wherever I liked it or not. Mixed feeling aside, the movie has some nice vibe, with songs being smartly featured when they were needed, mainly to describe Eve's feelings. The performances were great too, and that helps the film that comes to a stand steal at some point. The music acts were a little awkward as well as the dance numbers. Eve's character was as open as a book and yet, too closed up to understand her. So I think I should give God help the girl a 4 out of 10.

Unique and very likable.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 7 November 2014]

God Help the Girl is a very unusual film because it is like combining an old fashioned musical with a modern angst-ridden coming of age movie. The overall results are extremely enjoyable and I was surprised that this hip film still appealed to a tragically un-hip old fogy like me!

Emily Browning plays Eve, an exceptionally depressed anorexic young woman who has been getting in-patient treatment for her illness. However, she disappears one day and soon meets a very nerdy looking guy, James. They are later joined by James' friend, Cassie, and the trio decide to form a band. Now this isn't the normal sort of indie/hipster band and the trio find that they actually have a really great sound (I was very impressed by the singing). What's next? See the film.

Throughout the movie, Eve breaks into song and the film has little surreal breaks during which the lyrics tell about her life and inner struggles. While Gene Kelly or Dick Powell might have done this during the golden days of Hollywood back of yesteryear, this is not something you'll see in films today. This gives the movie uniqueness. This, combined with the real likability of the quirky characters, gives the movie a charm that make it impossible to dislike. Try it yourself...I think you'll probably feel the same. And, you might just find yourself singing along with Eve or breaking into song yourself after the movie has ended.

a movie which had potential that was shattered

[jake-76084 · 5/10 · 13 June 2015]

It had many of the requirements of a great movie which were then ruined;

1. An original and amazing story (which was then ruined and poorly written) 2. A great and original soundtrack (which was then ruined by the poor singing of Hannah Murray) 3. Intriguing, individual and well written characters (which was then ruined by Hannah Murray's poorly written and also rather irrelevant character who seemed to be thrown in just for the skins fans)

but the things it didn't fail on were the beautiful cinematography and the amazing performances from Olly Alexander and Emily browning. overall it was a movie which had so much potential with a great meaningful story and a beautiful soundtrack which was then ruined. I was incredibly disappointed with the outcome.

As the summer of 2014 comes to an end, one last coming of age story is released to top the season off.

[Amari-Sali · 8/10 · 14 September 2014]

After Plush, I must admit the idea of Emily Browning playing the role of a musician wasn't a horrible idea. Especially since Skins alumni Hannah Murrah and Olly Alexander are in it. Though with God Help the Girl not having original music, but that of Stuart Murdoch's past work, it does lead you to question if whether this would become another Jack and the Cuckoo-Clock Heart or Sunshine on Leith?

Characters & Story

A young girl, a few years out of high school, named Eve (Emily Browning) we meet as she is recovering from anorexia. She seems friendless, her parents never visit, and what lead to her having anorexia isn't explored too much. However, as she recovers she finds she has a talent for writing music. So, upon one of her escapes from the hospital, she asks this singer named Anton (Pierre Boulanger) to give her music to this local DJ.

But while her first demo is surely something interesting, it is the music she makes with sort of failed musician James (Olly Alexander) and Cass (Hannah Murray) which is what the film focuses on. For as James and Eve grow close, and Cass is invited along for the ride, you get a nice fluffy film in which we listen to songs dealing with everyday life sometimes spiced with what the members of the cast are going through. All the while, James falls in love with Eve and she finds him to be the one who helps establish the foundation she needs to perhaps pursue music officially. However, when the summer is over, and with Eve feeling well enough to go to college, will their friendship, band, and possible romance end, or is what we see only just the beginning?

Praise

There is so much worth praising in the film. Whether it is things like the costume design, the cute choreography during the songs, or even the songs themselves, there is so much to cover before even talking about the story. Now, to begin with the attire, most of the clothes seem straight out of a Skins episode and really help push the idea that God Help The Girl is a cute little indie band which has a few quirks and a huge reason to be desirable. For while, officially, they only perform one show in the movie, throughout the film we get to see them do almost mini-music videos which show off their quirky style and are choreographed in such a way which will likely remind you of some indie pop group you found out about in your teens which you used to, or still do, obsess over.

Then, when it comes to the songs, I must admit I only liked around 85% of the soundtrack. And while some songs aren't loved right off the bat, they do grow on you and the film has a nice progression where most of the 15% which I didn't think were good were only in the beginning. Making it feel that as Eve became a better song writer and the band became a more cohesive unit, you witness the songs becoming better and better.

Leaving the story for the last bit of praise. Now, despite Eve dealing with anorexia, there isn't a heavy handed approach to the subject matter. It is more treated as a private struggle than something all consuming. Which isn't to say they make light of the matter, nor is it not a struggle for her featured throughout the film, but what I wish to say is that it isn't the sole thing noted about her character. If anything, it is what helps push her out of her hospital bed and into meeting James and eventually Cass. And with Eve and James' relationship, there are so many cute moments which truly make you swoon, giggle and so badly hope they last forever. Also, to my surprise, while there is quirkiness, and a cute little romance, there are also multiple moments which will make you laugh. Not as much as if this movie was a comedy, but enough to keep you smiling between songs.

Criticism

When it comes to issues with the film, honestly the sole issue I can find is that it feels like we don't get to know the past of any of the characters that well. We get little tidbits of information so that we know they didn't just appear out of thin air, but with Eve having anorexia, and seemingly having quite a life before we met her, it does make you curious to learn more of her back story. Then, as for James and Cass, I wanted to learn more about them since both of their lives, outside of anything dealing with Eve, isn't explored. To the point where honestly you end up feeling like you barely got to know them at all.

Overall: Worth Seeing

It seems less and less that I watch something Worth Seeing. However, God Help The Girl is definitely a worth seeing film, though admittedly I thought it would be TV Viewing at first. But with it getting better over time, honestly I am left hoping there is a sequel as much as I wish this was a mini-series. Especially since the main negative thing about the film is that we don't get to know much about the characters' lives before the band, and hardly get to know James and Cass at all. Though with good music, an overall cute story, and it leaving you wanting more, the little bit of negatives certainly don't outweigh the positives. Leading me to say that you should certainly see God Help The Girl, perhaps buy the soundtrack, and definitely share it with your friends!

Unconvincing with great music

[steben · 5/10 · 27 March 2016]

There really isn't much of a story here and the whole movie feels like a sequence of barely connected scenes. Wherever there is music, there is also entertaining choreography and good editing - those scenes are always great, no matter how slow and boring the rest of the movie feels. Acting is decent tho and Emily Browning certainly shows a lot of talent.

There might be a point in the stark contrast between the joy of the musical scenes and the slowly crushing boredom of the "mundane" ones, namely that it is used to show the main character's problem with accepting "real life" and her escapes from it to music. The result is unconvincing, especially for a mainstream viewer - the contrast between the two styles only adds to the general inconsistency of the movie.

I would not recommend this to a casual movie viewer, perhaps to people who really are into musicals or youth movies. It certainly helps to show that a good musical requires much more than good songs. The soundtrack, however, that you should get.

Exceptional Film

[larrys3 · 9/10 · 26 June 2015]

I thought this musical fantasy was a most pleasant and enjoyable film, filled with an appealing storyline, humor, and, of course, many delightful musical numbers.

Set in Glasgow, Emily Browning the stunning and talented Australian actress is superb as Eve, who's in treatment at a mental health facility for depression and an eating disorder. However, she'll often sneak out of the facility, at night, to visit local clubs, as she's an aspiring songwriter and singer.

One night at one of these clubs, she'll meet James, an idealistic young man and guitar player, whose day-job is being a lifeguard at the local university. Olly Alexander is exceptional, as James, and there's a noticeable chemistry between Eve and James, which will eventually lead to a very close friendship.

James is teaching guitar to another young woman, Cassie, ably portrayed by Hannah Murray, who also wants to sing and write songs. Soon, the three of them will form a strong bond, and look to form a band so they can try to play out their musical aspirations. However, in time, they'll have to make decisions about their lives and their futures.

The movie was written and directed by Stuart Murdoch, the lead singer of the Scottish band Belle and Sebastian, who were very involved in the musical productions here in the film. I thought his screenplay was very clever, and his direction of the musical numbers was extremely well done.

All in all, there were some elements here that reminded me of the great movie "Once", with its heartwarming themes and music. To me, this movie was a most pleasant surprise and an exceptional film.

A flavor of the naive

[cekadah · 8/10 · 5 January 2015]

What's not to like about this twee movie? The story is the songs brought to life by the twee singers themselves. I found the film charming and naive.

Eve, James, and Cassie seem to have way too much time on their hands. Eve, (with an eating problem) is in and out of a clinic and finds writing songs helps her emotionally. Eve, James, and Cassie are all musically oriented, so they form a band. Eve, gets a big break and off to London she goes.

This is just simple young people living the dream, and we get to watch their happiness, confusion, pain. They are very much 'in season' for their age and tomorrow it will be different for them. And you get to hear some pretty good songs! Stuart Murdoch kept it a consistent format.

Charming and realistic - Belle & Sebastian fans will love it

[wavecat13 · 8/10 · 16 July 2019]

This is a very charming, realistic story of a few young Glaswegians who get together and start a band one magical summer. There is Eve, the emotionally troubled singer, James, the intellectual and leading light, and Cass, who adds beauty and cachet to the trio. The story follows their emotional ups and downs and their struggle to form a group and get noticed, and does so in a low key way. At times it made me think of some neglected, black and white classic from the 1960s. The music is very much along the same lines as Murdoch's band (Belle & Sebastian, in case you didn't know), and there are some nice song and dance segments. Fans (like me) are sure to enjoy it. My only complaint is that the portrayal of Eve's serious case of depression (or whatever emotional illness she has) is a little too light-hearted for comfort.

Indie magic.

[jashezilla · 9/10 · 23 September 2019]

This story is about an anorexic girl finding friends and starting a band. It does sound cliché, I know but it's just so original and so... joyful. And you can't help but finish watching it with a smile on your face. You'll definitely miss the characters for months afterwards.