Girl in Progress 2012
Directed by
Patricia Riggen
Made by
Lionsgate
Plot Summary
Grace (Eva Mendes) is a hardworking single mother striving to raise her fourteen-year-old daughter, Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez), amidst the chaos of life. Balancing her job, bills, and an affair with the married Dr. Hartford (Matthew Modine), Grace struggles to provide Ansiedad with the attention she needs.
However, everything changes when Ansiedad’s English teacher (Patricia Arquette) inspires her with powerful lessons about growing up, prompting Ansiedad to rebel and mature rapidly. Determined to leave her childhood behind, she crafts a list of goals aimed at her ultimate dream: running away to New York City.
Her journey begins with a simple yet profound task: proving herself to be a good girl. She joins the school’s chess team and secures a victory while also regularly visiting an elderly woman she affectionately names ‘Maud’ at a nursing home. As she gains confidence, Ansiedad befriends the school’s most popular girl, Valerie, but faces the dilemma of sacrificing her friendship with her best friend, Tavita, to fit in. Through humiliation and unkind tactics, Ansiedad manages to gain Valerie’s friendship, but the cost is heavy—her hurtful words leave Tavita in tears, running off to her boyfriend, Ferguson.
The school environment becomes even more complicated as Ansiedad witnesses a harsh breakup between Tavita and Ferguson, where he callously dismisses their relationship. This leads to a confrontation between Ansiedad and Ferguson, culminating in Ansiedad’s feelings of guilt and a determination to complete her next list task: having her first kiss with the notorious heartthrob, Trevor.
In a bold move, she surprises Trevor in his car, asking about the party that night and boldly requesting to lose her virginity there. The night unfolds with a mix of excitement and confusion as they engage in awkward kissing, but Ansiedad quickly realizes the gravity of her intentions. At the party, she faces betrayal as Valerie leaves her side, and in a moment of panic, Ansiedad finds herself retreating from Trevor, afraid and overwhelmed by the entire situation.
As rumors swirl, and with party guests mercilessly labeling her a ‘slut,’ Ansiedad rushes home, feeling defeated and alone when she discovers her mother is unaware of her struggles, having spent the night at her co-worker’s place. Filled with rage and frustration, Ansiedad lashes out, prompting her mother to confront her about the state of their lives.
Grace, upon realizing the precarious situation involving Tavita, who is now missing, reaches out to Ansiedad with a poignant reminder: > “I don’t want what happened to your friend to happen to you.” This powerful moment ignites a realization within Ansiedad, leading to reconciliation moments between mother and daughter and a commitment to supporting each other.
As the school year wraps up, the English teacher assigns a reflective essay on coming-of-age stories, while Grace takes pride in watching Ansiedad finally embrace her childhood again—cheering her on during a chess match. With renewed connections, Ansiedad apologizes to Tavita, and a sense of hope flourishes as they agree to be there for one another moving forward. Ultimately, as they board a bus together, the audience is left with the warmth of a story that celebrates growth, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her daughter.
Timeline
Grace's Struggles
Grace is portrayed as a hardworking single mother striving to provide for her 14-year-old daughter, Ansiedad. Balancing her job and an affair with the married Dr. Hartford, she often finds it difficult to give Ansiedad the attention she deserves.
Ansiedad's Inspiration
Ansiedad's English teacher introduces her to powerful lessons about growing up, sparking a shift in her perspective. Motivated by this new outlook, Ansiedad begins to rebel against her childhood, laying down a list of goals that includes her ultimate dream of escaping to New York City.
Joining the Chess Team
In a quest to prove herself a good girl, Ansiedad decides to join the school's chess team. Her efforts pay off as she secures a victory, which boosts her confidence and sense of achievement.
Visiting 'Maud'
As part of her personal growth, Ansiedad regularly visits an elderly woman she affectionately names 'Maud' at a nursing home. This connection helps fuel her belief in the value of relationships and caring for others.
New Friendships
Ansiedad's burgeoning confidence leads her to befriend the school's most popular girl, Valerie. However, this new friendship comes at the cost of her long-standing friendship with Tavita, creating inner turmoil for Ansiedad.
Conflict with Tavita
Ansiedad's desire to fit in leads her to humiliate Tavita, resulting in emotional fallout. The hurtful words leave Tavita in tears, and she runs off to her boyfriend, Ferguson, straining their friendship dramatically.
Tavita's Breakup
Ansiedad witnesses a painful breakup between Tavita and Ferguson, where his harsh dismissal adds to her guilt. The situation escalates into a confrontation between Ansiedad and Ferguson, deepening her emotional turmoil.
The First Kiss Challenge
Compelled by her list, Ansiedad gathers the courage to approach the school's heartthrob, Trevor, in his car. She asks him about the upcoming party and boldly expresses her desire to lose her virginity, embarking on a confrontation with her own fears.
The Party Incident
At the party, expectations clash with reality, and Ansiedad feels betrayed as Valerie abandons her. Overwhelmed by the situation and the rumors circulating about her, she withdraws from Trevor, realizing the weight of her earlier intentions.
Returning Home
Rushing home in despair after the party, Ansiedad confronts her reality when she finds her mother unaware of her struggles. Anger and frustration boil over, leading to a pivotal confrontation with Grace about their lives and communication.
Grace's Warning
After learning about Tavita's troubling situation, Grace reaches out to Ansiedad with a poignant reminder, urging her to avoid a similar fate. This heartfelt moment prompts Ansiedad to reflect on her choices and realize the importance of her mother's support.
Reconciliation
The confrontation leads to a powerful reconciliation between Ansiedad and Grace. They commit to supporting each other, which marks a turning point in their relationship, reinforcing their bond as mother and daughter.
End of the School Year
As the school year comes to a close, Ansiedad is assigned a reflective essay on coming-of-age stories, which helps her process her experiences. Grace is filled with pride watching Ansiedad embrace her childhood once more during a chess match.
Repairing Friendships
Ansiedad takes the first steps towards repairing her friendship with Tavita, offering a heartfelt apology. Their willingness to be there for one another illuminates a sense of hope for the future as they navigate their friendship.
A New Beginning
The film concludes with Ansiedad and Tavita boarding a bus together, symbolizing a new beginning for their friendship and personal growth. This moment encapsulates the warmth of evolving relationships and the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.
Characters
Grace (Eva Mendes)
Grace is a dedicated single mother who struggles to balance her responsibilities while providing emotional support to her daughter, Ansiedad. Her journey is one of resilience as she combats personal challenges and learns to reconnect with her daughter amidst life's chaos. Grace embodies strength and determination, ultimately guiding her daughter with love.
Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez)
Ansiedad is a spirited fourteen-year-old navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence. Eager to assert her independence, she grapples with the complexities of friendship, love, and self-identity. Her transformation throughout the film reflects the struggles and triumphs of adolescent growth and the quest for acceptance.
Dr. Hartford (Matthew Modine)
Dr. Hartford is a married man involved in an affair with Grace, adding complexity to the narrative. His character represents the moral dilemmas and emotional conflicts faced by individuals when personal desires collide with social responsibilities. He embodies the challenges of adult relationships amidst the struggles of parenthood.
English Teacher (Patricia Arquette)
Ansiedad's English teacher plays a pivotal role in motivating her to reflect on her life and aspirations. Through her impactful lessons, she inspires Ansiedad to pursue her goals, fostering growth and maturity. Her character symbolizes the influence of educators in shaping young minds and encouraging self-discovery.
Setting
Time period
The story unfolds in contemporary times, reflecting the challenges faced by teenagers and single parents today. Issues like peer pressure, the complexities of relationships, and the pursuit of independence resonate strongly with modern audiences.
Location
New York City
New York City is known as the city that never sleeps and is a hub of diversity and culture. It's famous for its iconic skyline, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. Many dreams are pursued here, symbolizing hope and opportunity.
Themes
🌱
Coming of Age
The theme of coming of age is central to the film, as Ansiedad navigates the tumultuous transition from childhood to adolescence. Her desires for independence clash with the realities of her life, highlighting the struggles many face during this pivotal time. Ultimately, the film celebrates growth, learning from mistakes, and the importance of strong relationships.
❤️
Mother-Daughter Bond
The relationship between Grace and Ansiedad is a poignant exploration of the mother-daughter bond. As they navigate their struggles, their connection deepens, embodying love, support, and reconciliation. This theme emphasizes the significance of family ties amidst life's chaos.
💔
Friendship Challenges
Friendship and the challenges that accompany it are prominently featured in Ansiedad's story. The pressure to fit in leads to difficult choices and conflicts with friends, particularly with Tavita. This theme illustrates the complexity of teenage relationships and the emotional turmoil that often arises during such formative years.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.