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It Felt Like Love 2014
Directed by
Eliza Hittman
Made by
Variance Films
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of It Felt Like Love (2014). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Lila, a fourteen-year-old girl residing in Brooklyn with her widowed father, yearns to emulate her more sexually knowledgeable friend, Chiara. Both girls, enrolled in the same dance class, eagerly anticipate a big performance during their summer preparations. While Chiara has navigated her way through early relationships, having reached third base with her boyfriend Patrick, Lila attempts to project a similar maturity. In truth, her understanding of intimacy stems mostly from her experiences as a third wheel during Chiara and Patrick’s outings, awkwardly observing their public displays of affection.
One fateful day at the beach, Lila locks eyes with the older, rugged Sammy. Upon learning that he is known for his intense escapades, Lila boldly sets her sights on him, frequently visiting the arcade where he works and boasting to her friends about their supposed relationship. Although Sammy perceives Lila as just a kid and shows no genuine interest in her, he refrains from outright rejecting her advances.
In her quest for Sammy’s attention, Lila increasingly exposes herself to alarming situations. She ventures alone to Sammy’s apartment, where he engages with his male friends amid the flickering glow of porn on the TV. As the atmosphere shifts, Sammy’s friends make lascivious jokes about Lila performing explicit acts for the group. Displaying her naivety and eagerness for male validation, Lila laughs along, perhaps not fully grasping the implications of the situation. Following this troubling episode, the film leaves viewers questioning Lila’s experiences, with ambiguity shrouding the reality of whether she engaged in anything sexual that night.
As the narrative unfolds, the film culminates in the performance of Lila and Chiara’s dance team, visually capturing the tumultuous journey of adolescence and the bittersweet complexities of youth.
Timeline
Track the key events of It Felt Like Love (2014) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction to Lila
Lila, a fourteen-year-old girl, lives in Brooklyn with her widowed father. She grapples with the complexities of adolescence and yearns to understand intimacy as she observes her more experienced friends.
Dance Class Aspirations
Lila and her friend Chiara, both enrolled in the same dance class, look forward to an important performance during the summer. Their excitement hints at their shared passion for dance and the desire for validation.
Influence of Chiara
Chiara, who has had experiences with intimacy, sets a standard for Lila. In contrast, Lila feels like a third wheel in Chiara's relationship with her boyfriend Patrick, which influences her understanding of romantic relationships.
Encounter at the Beach
While at the beach, Lila meets Sammy, an older boy known for his adventurous spirit. She becomes infatuated with him, marking a shift in her quest for maturity and validation from older males.
Frequent Visits to the Arcade
Lila begins to regularly visit the arcade where Sammy works, trying to impress him and boost her image among her friends. Despite her efforts, Sammy remains indifferent, seeing her as just a kid.
Naive Adventures
In an attempt to gain Sammy's attention, Lila ventures to his apartment alone. There, she finds herself surrounded by his friends, leading to an unsettling situation that pushes her boundaries.
Uncomfortable Atmosphere
At Sammy's apartment, his friends make inappropriate jokes about Lila, testing her naivety and understanding of consent. Lila laughs along, perhaps unaware of the implications and danger lurking in the situation.
Ambiguity of Actions
After the troubling episode at Sammy's apartment, the narrative leaves viewers questioning Lila's experiences. There is uncertainty regarding whether she engaged in any sexual activities that night, highlighting the complexities of youth.
Performance Preparations
As summer nears its end, Lila and Chiara focus on preparing for their dance performance. The preparation period reflects their aspirations and the excitement that comes with pursuing artistic expression.
Culmination in Dance
The film culminates in the performance of Lila and Chiara's dance team, encapsulating their journey through adolescence. The dance serves as a metaphor for the bittersweet complexities of growing up and confronting life's challenges.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring It Felt Like Love (2014) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Lila
Lila is a fourteen-year-old girl who navigates the tumultuous waters of adolescence with a yearning for acceptance and understanding. Caught between her desire to emulate her more experienced friend and her own innocence, she grapples with the implications of adult interactions. Her journey highlights the struggles of growing up and the bittersweet quest for validation.
Chiara
Chiara is Lila's confident and more sexually knowledgeable friend, embodying the archetype of the experienced adolescent. Her early relationships serve as a stark contrast to Lila's naïveté, showcasing the varying degrees of maturity among teenagers. Chiara's character represents the exploration of friendship dynamics amidst personal growth.
Sammy
Sammy is portrayed as the older and rugged figure who inadvertently becomes the object of Lila's infatuation. Although he recognizes Lila's youth and innocence, he embodies a world of adult escapades, adding complexity to the narrative. Sammy's character highlights the often blurred lines in teenage attraction and the misunderstanding of intentions.
Setting
Uncover the settings of It Felt Like Love (2014), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The film captures a moment in contemporary adolescence, exploring the intricate dynamics of teenage relationships in the modern world. It embodies the trials and tribulations faced by young individuals as they navigate friendship, burgeoning desires, and personal identity during these formative years.
Location
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a vibrant borough of New York City, known for its rich cultural scene, historic architecture, and diverse communities. It serves as a backdrop for many coming-of-age stories, providing both an urban landscape and a sense of youthful exploration. A mix of art, parks, and bustling streets, Brooklyn reflects the challenges and joys of growing up.
Themes
Explore the core themes of It Felt Like Love (2014). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Adolescence
The theme of adolescence is central to the narrative, showcasing the confusion and excitement of growing up. Lila's journey represents the struggles of understanding intimacy and self-identity. As she grapples with her feelings for Sammy and her friendship with Chiara, the film highlights the complexities of youth.
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Innocence vs. Experience
This theme explores the tension between innocence and the desire for experience. Lila's naive attempts to project maturity reveal the gap between her perception and reality. The encounters with Sammy and his friends challenge her understanding of adult relationships, presenting a stark contrast to the carefree world of childhood.
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