Review of 'Little Trouble Girls': Urška Djukić's Debut Film Explores Queer Teen Desire in Slovenian Choirgirl Drama

'Little Trouble Girls' Review: Urka Djukis Debut Illuminates Queer Desire in Slovenian Choirgirl Drama

The film opens with a rhythmic, heavy breathing, a sound that feels almost intimate. Its no surprise that a choirgirl story starts with a choir rehearsal, but the black screen at the beginning of Little Trouble Girls focuses not on the singing, but on the breath before the music: a deep, pulsing exhalation that carries sexual undertones. This connection to the body is emphasized as the camera listens closely to the sounds of saliva, a yawn, and hair being twirled, amplified through sharp sound design. The intensity of these noises mirrors the discomfort and anticipation of adolescence.

After this charged introduction, it becomes clear that Urka Djukis directorial debut is not just another tale of a Catholic schoolgirl coming-of-age. The film offers a softness, a tenderness, rather than the usual sense of shame, while maintaining an unpredictable, almost wild energy. This is true both in the narrative and in the character of Lucija (Jara Sofija Ostan), whose journey is one of intense desire and awakening.

Before we even meet Lucija, we hear her whispers while the image of Christ's wound fades in and out of view, offering a connection between religious imagery and sensuality. The symbolic image of a vulva, drawn from a 14th-century prayer book, presents Christ's wound, surrounded by his instruments of torture. While this could be read religiously, the sexual connotations are intentional, suggesting the intertwining of pain and rebirth, a theme that threads throughout the film.

Lucijas journey begins when she embarks on a choir trip to a convent in Northern Italy with her friend Ana-Maria (Mina vajger). The convent, a beautiful setting complete with a stately olive tree in the courtyard, becomes the backdrop for the emotional and sensual stirrings that follow. Initially, Lucija is captivated by a workmans muscular form, a stark contrast to her previous, sheltered life. The trip becomes a whirlwind of choir rehearsals, games of truth or dare, and the exploration of romantic and sexual desires.

As tensions build, one of the most charged moments comes when Ana-Maria dares Lucija to kiss the "most beautiful girl in the convent," leading Lucija to kiss a marble statue of the Virgin Mary. This act, filled with ambiguity, could be seen as either a challenge or a moment of jealousy on Ana-Marias part. The simmering desire between the two girls is palpable, manifesting in stolen glances and secretive interactions.

The film uses the convents religious setting to heighten the tension. The constant presence of faith, combined with the erotic energy that charges the air, creates a powerful atmosphere of desire and restraint. This backdrop allows the film to explore themes of awakening in a more nuanced and sensual way than many coming-of-age films.

Djuki also steers the narrative away from predictability, avoiding the clichs that often accompany sexual awakening stories. Even in moments of potential clich, like the recurring imagery of blooming flowers, the film stays true to Lucijas perspective, capturing the sense of overwhelming possibility that comes with discovering ones sexuality. Through Lucija's eyes, we experience the turbulence and excitement of adolescence, a time of profound change.

Ostans performance is central to the films emotional weight. As Lucija, she navigates her characters budding sexuality with an innocence that evolves into a more mature understanding. vajgers portrayal of Ana-Maria, the more confident and popular girl, offers a contrast to Lucijas shy exploration, and her playful teasing masks a deeper vulnerability. Djukis direction transforms Ana-Maria from a potential "mean girl" into a complex character, challenging expectations and bringing depth to their relationship.

Little Trouble Girls may be youthful in its perspective, but its treatment of queer desire and spiritual awakening speaks to a maturity that is rarely seen in teen cinema. Djukis debut is a promise of a fresh voice in Slovenian cinema, one that focuses on the power of young female voices often silenced by patriarchal structures.

Release Information: Little Trouble Girls will be released in New York City on Friday, December 5, and will open in Los Angeles on Friday, December 12.

Author: Chloe Ramirez