‘A Girl’s Story’ Review: Judith Godrèche’s Assured Feature Debut Tells a Bitter Tale of Sexual Initiation in 1950s France
Judith Godrèche's directorial debut, 'A Girl's Story', adapts Annie Ernaux's novel to explore themes of sexual initiation in 1950s France. The film features a strong performance by newcomer Tess Barthélemy, drawing parallels to Godrèche's own experiences. It serves as a haunting meditation on gender relations and the normalization of violence against women.
- ▪The film is an adaptation of Annie Ernaux's novel of the same name.
- ▪Tess Barthélemy plays the lead role of Annie, a sheltered girl seeking freedom.
- ▪The narrative is framed by voiceover from a septuagenarian version of Ernaux, performed by Valérie Dréville.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home Film Reviews May 17, 2026 12:52pm PT ‘A Girl’s Story’ Review: Judith Godrèche’s Assured Feature Debut Tells a Bitter Tale of Sexual Initiation in 1950s France Adapting the novel of the same name by Annie Ernaux, the actress-turned-filmmaker — and face of #MeToo in France — doesn’t shy away from hard truths in a coming-of-age drama featuring a strong performance by newcomer Tess Barthélemy. By Beatrice Loayza Plus Icon Beatrice Loayza Latest ‘Double Freedom’ Review: A Woodsman’s Simple Life Is Upended in Lisandro Alonso’s Beautifully Minimalistic Comment on Argentina’s Current Political Crisis 1 day ago ‘That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea’ Review: A Franchise Bonus Primarily for Fans 2 weeks ago See All Courtesy of Paradise City Films The…
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