LOL (Laughing Out Loud)
2009 · Directed by Lisa Azuelos
Original language: French
- comedy
The story
Lola is a striking teenaged girl who is on the cusp of adulthood and longs to rush into the adult world of independence, freedom and sexual exploits, but is tenaciously held back by her mother.
What it’s like
Bright, unfussy Parisian daylight, handheld camera that stays close to its teenagers in cramped apartments, school corridors and crowded cafés, and a pop soundtrack that keeps the energy bouncing. The vibe is breezy and warm with a bittersweet undertow, the kind of comedy that suits a lazy weekend afternoon, a light evening with friends, or a comfort rewatch when you want something funny and human rather than frantic. Its pacing is brisk and episodic, with sharp comic set-pieces giving way to quieter scenes between a mother and daughter who clash because they love each other too much. The emotional arc follows a headstrong girl and her mother learning to loosen their grip and let each other grow up. Intensity is mild: sexual themes and teenage drinking appear in frank, comic terms, with no graphic content and no real violence. It is for viewers who enjoy French coming-of-age comedy, mother-daughter stories with a sense of humour, and warm, candid portraits of adolescence written and directed by a woman.
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