“Raw” and “Unflinching” get thrown around in coming-of-age film descriptions all the time, but “The Diary of a Teenage Girl” truly captures the experience of teenage sexuality without shying away from anything.

The film is set in San Francisco in 1976 and follows 15-year-old Minnie (Bel Powley) as she explores her sexuality—beginning with an affair with her mother’s boyfriend Monroe (Alexander Skarsgard).

Minnie narrates the film through diary entries recorded on cassette tapes, with a straightforward tone that is set from the film’s opening line– “I had sex today.” Minnie holds nothing back in her thoughts or actions, she unabashedly states how much she likes sex and wonders aloud to her diary if Monroe happens to be masturbating to her at that very moment. While Minnie’s sexual exploration isn’t limited to her relationship with Monroe it’s clear that he’s the one she’s the most emotionally invested in.

The narration is enchantingly lyrical, perfectly capturing the angst and sexual frustration of being a teenager, and the cinematography brings life to the comics and sketches Minnie expresses herself through. Since the film is told in Minnie’s own voice there’s no judgment placed on her choices, making it the incredibly rare film that allows a teenage girl to be a sexual being without lasting negative repercussions. When, in one scene, Minnie and her best friend give strangers blow jobs for five dollars, no one pins a scarlet A on their chests. Instead, Minnie realizes she doesn’t like the feeling she’s left with afterwards and they decide not to do it again. Minnie’s sexual experimentations serve their purpose as learning experiences without having to come back to haunt her later on. Even when her affair with Monroe is discovered, despite her mother’s shock and anger there’s no lasting blame placed on Minnie. Instead, she’s given the space to realize on her own that she wants more than Monroe, and when the relationship ends it is with the sense that this is Minnie’s own choice.

Bel Powley’s performance is stunning. She holds nothing back in her portrayal of Minnie, leaving the audience with an image of a three dimensional teenage girl, who’s flawed and wonderful all at once.

The Diary of A Teenage Girl hits theaters August 7, 2015

Written by: Phoebe Gloeckner & Marielle Heller

Directed by: Marielle Heller

Starring: Bel Powley, Alexander Skarsgard, Kristen Wiig

Grade: A

“Caught” Still Courtesy of MarVista Entertainment

The Los Angeles Film Festival, which runs from June 10-18, is fast approaching! Festival organizers, Film Independent, announced the full lineup last Tuesday and with 74 features, 60 shorts, and 50 new media projects, there are a lot of decisions to make.

With such a big lineup that’s packed with amazing films, there’s definitely a film for everyone, but how do you narrow down which ones you’ll catch? Don’t fret guys, we will ease your anxiety, here are four stand-outs you’ll definitely want to add to your  festival watch list.

“The Diary of A Teenage Girl,” has been getting a lot of buzz since its debut at Sundance this year. Based on a graphic novel, Marielle Heller’s directorial debut focuses on the sexual awakening of main character Minnie in 1970s San Francisco. Her love story comes with a catch—her partner also happens to be her mother’s boyfriend.

“Dope,” another Sundance favorite, will add some laughter to your festival experience. Set in L.A., the film follows Malcom, a self-proclaimed 90s hip-hop geek with straight A’s, who through a series of turns, finds himself trying to unload drugs to avoid a dealer’s wrath.

Based on the stories of Jose Luis Borges, “Sin Alas” follows main character Luis’ as he discovers –through an obituary– that his former lover, Isabela has died. After reading the obituary, Luis sees Isabela onstage, just as she had looked during their affair 40 years prior. The film chronicles Luis’ journey as he unravels the past, bouncing between the present-day Havana and the Havana of the late 60s where their affair took place.

“Caught”: For a touch of suspense in your festival, don’t miss this campy thriller. “Caught” showcases what happens when teenage Allie’s affair with an older married man is discovered by his manic wife Sabrina. Sabrina gives off Stepford wife vibes, with that suburban complacency replaced with killer intent.