Valley Girl
2020 · Directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg
Original language: English
- comedy
- romance
- music
The story
Set to a new wave '80s soundtrack, Julie, a girl from the valley, meets Randy, a punk from the city. They are from different worlds and find love. Somehow they need to stay together in spite of her trendy, shallow friends.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated daylight and pastel-neon sets give this musical romcom the look of a 1980s mall in full bloom: pink and teal storefronts, shiny pastel wardrobes, big hair, and the glow of Tiger Beat posters on bedroom walls. The camera moves with plenty of energy, swinging through dance numbers and tracking friends across parking lots, while the score runs on bouncy new wave and synth-pop that keeps the pulse upbeat from the first song. The vibe is sunny, giddy and affectionately silly, with a touch of teen-movie mischief, the kind of thing you put on for a Saturday afternoon or a cheerful comfort rewatch. Pacing is quick and musical, with the emotional beats landing between numbers. Its heart is a playful, opposites-attract romance: a girl from the suburbs and a punk from the city, pulled together against a crowd of status-obsessed friends. Intensity is low: some mild teen drama, a few kisses, and nothing graphic or frightening. It suits people who want upbeat nostalgia, catchy songs and a light, warm love story.
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