Movies about teenagers usually suck. They’re either too glossy, with thirty-year-olds playing freshmen, or they’re so bleak you want to turn them off after ten minutes. But then you have something like the Story of a Girl movie. Directed by Kyra Sedgwick, this 2017 Lifetime original actually captures that specific, suffocating feeling of being a teenager in a small town where everyone knows your business—and they won't let you forget it.
It’s based on Sara Zarr’s 2007 novel. If you read that book in high school, you know it’s gut-wrenching. The film adaptation manages to keep that heart intact. It stars Ryann Shane as Deanna Lambert, a girl living in the long, dark shadow of a "slut-shaming" incident that happened when she was just thirteen. Three years later, she’s still "that girl."
Honestly, the pacing is what gets you. It doesn’t rush to a happy ending. It just sits there with her. It’s uncomfortable. It's real.
Why the Story of a Girl Movie Isn't Your Typical Teen Drama
Most "teen movies" focus on the prom or the big game. This isn't that. This is about the long-term psychological fallout of a digital mistake. Deanna was caught in a compromising video with an older boy, and in a town like hers, that's a life sentence.
What makes the Story of a Girl movie stand out is how it handles the family dynamic. Kevin Bacon—Sedgwick’s real-life husband—plays Deanna’s father, and man, he’s great. He isn't a villain, but he is a man who doesn't know how to look his daughter in the eye anymore. That silence is louder than any screaming match. It’s a nuanced portrayal of how trauma doesn't just affect the victim; it ripples through the whole house.
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The film deals with "the video" without being exploitative. We see the consequences: the whispers in the hallway, the way teachers look at her, the isolation. It’s a masterclass in showing, not telling. You feel Deanna’s exhaustion. She’s tired of being the town's cautionary tale.
The Power of Kyra Sedgwick’s Directorial Vision
This was Sedgwick’s directorial debut. You can tell she cares about the actors. There is a specific warmth to the cinematography that contrasts with the coldness Deanna feels from her peers. Sedgwick chose to focus on the small moments. A shared cigarette. A look across a pizza parlor.
Critics at the time, including those from The Hollywood Reporter, noted that the film avoids the "movie-of-the-week" tropes. It feels more like an indie darling than a standard TV flick. It’s gritty without being "edgy" for the sake of it.
The Reality of Small Town Reputation
If you've ever lived in a place where the local grocery store clerk knows your grandmother’s maiden name, you’ll get this movie. Reputation is currency. Once Deanna lost hers, she became bankrupt in the eyes of her community.
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The Story of a Girl movie explores the double standard of teenage sexuality. The guy in the video? He’s fine. He moved on. He’s probably a local hero. Deanna? She’s the pariah. It’s a conversation that was relevant in 2007 when the book came out, it was relevant in 2017 when the movie premiered, and honestly, it’s even more relevant now in the age of TikTok and instant viral "cancellation."
- The Casting: Ryann Shane brings a weary, defensive energy to Deanna.
- The Support: Jon Tenney and Sosie Bacon (Kyra and Kevin's daughter) add layers of authenticity to the supporting cast.
- The Theme: It’s less about "forgiveness" from others and more about Deanna finding a way to live with herself.
Confronting the Past
There’s a specific scene where Deanna has to work at a local pizza shop. It’s her only option. But working there means facing the public every single day. Every customer is a potential judge. The movie uses these mundane settings to highlight the constant pressure of being watched.
Misconceptions About the Ending
People often expect these types of movies to end with a grand apology from the town. That doesn’t happen here. Life isn't that clean. Instead, we get a sense of movement. Deanna starts to realize that her town isn't the whole world.
That’s the "actionable" takeaway for anyone watching. The world is bigger than your high school hallway.
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How to Watch and What to Look For
If you’re going to sit down with the Story of a Girl movie, don’t expect a popcorn flick. Expect a character study. It’s currently available on various streaming platforms (usually Lifetime’s app or for digital purchase).
Pay attention to the background characters. The way people move away from Deanna in the halls. The way her brother tries to protect her but doesn't quite know how. These are the details that elevate the film from a "teen movie" to a legitimate piece of cinema.
Practical Steps for Fans of the Genre
If this movie resonated with you, there are a few things you should do next to get the full experience of this story's impact:
- Read the Original Source: Sara Zarr’s novel is a National Book Award finalist for a reason. It goes deeper into Deanna’s internal monologue than a film ever could.
- Explore the "Sisterhood" of Films: Watch The Edge of Seventeen or Lady Bird alongside this. They form a sort of unofficial trilogy of "girls who are struggling and that’s okay."
- Check Out Kyra Sedgwick’s Other Work: Seeing her range as an actress makes her directorial choices here even more interesting.
- Discuss the Themes: Use the film as a jumping-off point to talk about digital footprint and empathy with the teens in your life. It’s a great conversation starter because it’s not "preachy."
The Story of a Girl movie remains a staple of empathetic filmmaking. It doesn't judge its protagonist. It just lets her be human, flaws and all. In a world that's quick to record and slow to forget, that’s a message we probably need more than ever. It’s not just a story about a girl; it’s a story about the weight we carry and the slow, painful process of putting it down.