Lick the Star

| 1998

Directed by: Sofia Coppola

Main Plot

Lick the Star follows a group of middle school girls who navigate the complexities of adolescence and friendship. The story centers around a rebellious girl who, feeling out of place, decides to take charge of her social circle. She concocts a plan to assert their power over the boys at school by spreading a rumor about a mysterious poison. As the girls become increasingly consumed by their scheme, they experience the thrill of rebellion and the challenges of growing up. The film captures the nuances of young female friendships, the desire for acceptance, and the often tumultuous journey of self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly mundane school environment. The narrative explores themes of empowerment, the impact of peer pressure, and the bittersweet nature of adolescence.

Characters

  • Christina Turley is the queen bee antagonist, orchestrating a plan to poison boys at school, driving the plot's exploration of teenage power dynamics and betrayal.
  • Audrey Kelly is a popular, manipulative middle school girl who orchestrates a plan inspired by "Flowers in the Attic," leading to chaos and betrayal among her peers.
  • Julia Vanderham plays a pivotal role as the school's popular girl, whose influence and actions drive the central conflict and dynamics among the students.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Lick the Star, the tension between the main characters culminates in a dramatic confrontation. The film follows a group of middle school girls who become increasingly obsessed with a plan to assert their power over the boys at their school. As their scheme escalates, the girls' actions lead to unintended consequences, highlighting the complexities of adolescence and the desire for control. In the final scenes, the group's dynamics shift as the consequences of their actions begin to unravel their friendships. The protagonist, who initially seemed confident in her leadership, faces the fallout of their plan, leading to feelings of isolation and regret. The once tight-knit group fractures, illustrating the fragility of their bonds and the harsh realities of growing up. Ultimately, the ending serves as a poignant reflection on the loss of innocence and the challenges of navigating social hierarchies. The girls' attempts to exert power backfire, leaving them to confront the emptiness of their ambitions. The film closes on a note of ambiguity, suggesting that the journey of self-discovery and the search for identity continues beyond the confines of their childhood schemes. This resolution ties back to the overarching themes of adolescence and the complexities of friendship.

Sofia Coppola Drama Short Christina Turley Audrey Kelly Julia Vanderham