The cinematic arts are founded on its ability to transport the audience to different times and places or transfix them with a new perspective on a familiar setting. Occasionally the goal of the film is to be viewed as a work of art providing the viewer with a beautifully crafted visual experience. What is exceptionally rare is for a film to engage aspects for all of these criteria but the film under review here managed to achieve this lofty goal; ‘Tanner Hall’. First of all it should be noted that the film is by no means perfect but it is obviously a creation borne from the passion and commitment of the filmmakers. The movie demonstrates an abundance of heart, a degree of sensitivity blended with raw, honestly portrayed emotion to more than carry the film. Sometimes a film can leverage a few technical flaws into a means to better connect with the audience. In the case with this movie a too highly polished film would severely undermine the integrity of the piece. The primary theme explored here is the transition of a group of girls on the cusp of adulthood. By its intrinsic nature such a period is imperfect, wrought with hesitation, missteps and broad swings in emotion. Under the standards that are generally applicable to movies erratic pacing and wide fluctuations in the emotional foundation would be considered a negative. With ‘Tanner Hall’ it comes across as a realistically painted return to that time we all went through. My most of us may not have gone through this time in an all girl boarding school the emotional impact will stir similar memories held in common to all teens about to leave their childhood behind. This is always a period of feelings reaching extremes and typically devoid of moderation. This film captures this universal experience by filtering it through circumstances that read as well understood by the filmmakers. This is a solid example of juxtaposing what is novel to the audience founding it on experiences we can all readily relate to. The icing on this treat is the expert use of cinematography to reinforce the mood set so well by the story. The story will hold your interest while the visual impact will captivate your imagination.

I realize that I might be in the minority with my opinion of this film but my criteria for judging a film is whether relates its story successfully and if the efforts of the filmmakers and cast representative of an honestly applied effort. In both cases this film exceeds movies produced with similar circumstances. The first thing that comes to mind when the term ‘girl’s boarding school’ is applied is the requisite lesbian story line. Most of the time, particularly with male filmmakers, the resulting direction will be the most hackney and exploitive way possible. The team here responsible for the screenplay and direction Francesca Gregorini and Tatiana von Furstenberg include such a relationship as part of the character arc of one of the core group of student, Lucasta (Amy Ferguson). There is nothing puerile in the treatment of the subject here although the way the story arc progresses is admittedly awkward. While some may take issue with this approach citing it as a negative I feel that it properly presents the internal confusion in this young woman as she grapples with new and conflicting emotions while discovering her sexual identify. Lucasta had always been viewed as a ‘Tomboy’ but once in university she is caught in a maelstrom of conflicting feeling including a strong attraction to a fellow classmate.

The assignment of the archetype class structure is very predictable but accurately reflects the composition of this kind of social setting. There is Fernanda (Rooney Mara) who basically serves to provide the level headed point of view to allow the story to unfold, sexualized Kate (Brie Larson) and the always required mean girl Victoria (Georgia King). The foundation of the story is told through Fernanda who has spent her career in Tanner Hall as the shy, reasonable girl. Although not immune to the changes that will affect her entire group she does make the best choice as the means to provide the story’s narrative. After being familiar with each other for most of their childhood the girls are now in their senior year, a tradition period of major life changes. Kate has set her sights on choice male members of the faculty while Victoria manifest her jealousy of Fernanda through wicked machinations to destroy her relationships. Fernanda has developed a knotty relationship with Gio (Tom Everett Scott), an older friend of her family which raises the ire and jealousy of Victoria.

The plot devices used to relate the story are over used but much of that is because they are part of reality. Fernanda is from a family where her mother is distant and emotionally unapproachable. Victoria’s nasty behavior towards her classmates is just an external manifestation of her inner self hatred. She tried to invoke some feeling by cutting herself in the shower. There is also the mainstay of female teen angst movies including suicide and prescription medication abuse. Admittedly this movie does have the trappings of a Lifetime made for cable film albeit one with better than average production standards. The thing is this is the freshman opus for this imaginative pair of filmmakers. They are still exploring their craft and developing their style but definitely on the correct tract. True to perennial advice they constructed this film from their own experiences. The two have been lifelong friends who met at school. This accounts who much of honesty that pervades this movie.

One bit of casting I just couldn’t comprehend was Amy Sedaris and Chris Kattan as strangely horny faculty members. These two are better known as wacky characters in comedy skits. Their user here is anachronistic and took me completely out of the seriousness of the movie. I just don’t see why they were included. I just don’t see what purpose they served in telling the story. The other sides of the coin for casting are the young women portraying the leading roles. They may be young but the each presents their work admirably. Mara is from a successful acting family. Her sister Kate has a pivotal role in the macabre television series ‘American Horror Story’ while Rooney is poised to take on the coveted role of Lisbeth Salander, ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ in the upcoming David Fincher remake of the Swedish hit. This certainly will garner well deserved attention to this interesting movie.