Girlhood is vital, a reminder that there is so much more to be said, so much more beauty and complexity to be explored, in the coming-of-age story.

In her previous features, Water Lilies and Tomboy, Sciamma focused on young characters in states of transition and discovery. Girlhood follows a trajectory of transformation, something that Toure achieves with effortless fluidity.

The film is about Marieme, and what happens to her, and perhaps, too, it's about seeing life in the projects for what it is: a milieu of mingling stories, some happy, some sad, and all shot through with moments of joy.

This French coming-of-age film feels honest and real.