What Is Girl About?
The premise of Girl in 298 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the quiet streets of Antwerp, a young teenager steps into the world of elite ballet, chasing a dream that feels as fragile and precise as the art itself. Lara, a fifteen‑year‑old Belgian girl, carries the weight of her ambitions alongside a deeply personal journey of self‑discovery. With her supportive father and a restless younger brother by her side, she moves into a modest flat close to the renowned dance academy, where discipline and expectation intertwine with the pulse of the city.
The film unfolds with a gentle, observant tone that balances the rigors of rehearsals against the tender moments of family life. Mathias, her father, embodies a careful blend of devotion and pragmatism, offering a steady anchor while navigating his own hopes for his children. Meanwhile, Milo, her brother, oscillates between innocence and the confusion that often accompanies a sibling’s transition, creating a subtle undercurrent of tension and affection. Their shared spaces become a sanctuary where love is expressed through small gestures—morning coffee, quiet rides to school, and the unspoken reassurance that they will face whatever comes together.
Within the academy’s walls, Lara finds a community that, while largely accepting, still leaves her grappling with the nuances of gender identity in a traditionally masculine‑dominated environment. Her interactions with a compassionate psychiatrist hint at a broader conversation about belonging, health, and the timing of life’s milestones. The choreography of the classroom mirrors her inner choreography, a delicate balance between external performance and internal truth.
“Girl” captures the lyrical beauty of ballet and the poignant intimacy of a family learning to adjust its rhythms. It invites viewers into a world where ambition, vulnerability, and love intersect, leaving a lingering sense of hopefulness and the quiet promise that the next step, no matter how uncertain, will be taken with courage.
What Happens in Girl?
The complete story of Girl, from the first scene to the last, in 640 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Lara Verhaeghen is a fifteen-year-old Belgian transgender girl with dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. Upon applying to a prestigious ballet school in Antwerp, she is thrilled to be accepted, provided she impresses during an eight-week trial period. Excited about this opportunity, she moves closer to the school with her supportive father, Mathias, and her younger brother, Milo. During this significant transitional phase, Lara engages in conversations with doctors regarding her gender dysphoria, starts taking puberty blockers, and regularly sees a supportive psychiatrist, Le docteur Pascal.
Lara thrives academically, and even though her status as a transgender girl is known among her peers, she is generally accepted by her classmates, who allow her to use the girls’ locker room, although she feels more comfortable using a private restroom. In an attempt to conform to her gender identity, Lara follows the dangerous advice of tucking her penis with tape during practices, which takes a toll on her body as she trains relentlessly for ballet. Despite the pain, her commitment to the art and the desire to present as her authentic self push her forward. Meanwhile, Milo struggles to adapt, still calling her by her deadname. Lara remains supportive, helping him get ready and taking him to school each day while also keeping a watchful eye on him.
As time goes by, the doctors decide that Lara is ready to begin her sex reassignment surgery journey. She eagerly signs the consent documents, knowing the entire process will span over two years. During a discussion with her psychiatrist, she reveals her desire to wait until she has the “right body” before dating. However, her psychiatrist encourages her to relish her teenage experience.
Though she starts hormone replacement therapy, Lara feels her body is not changing quickly enough. One evening, during a sleepover with friends, she faces bullying, prompting her to return home early. She discovers her father dining with his new girlfriend and feigns a stomach ache for the distraction. Matthias gently probes her feelings on the way to a doctor’s appointment, where they discover that Lara has lost weight and has developed a genital infection due to the tape. The doctor insists she can’t continue this practice and needs to gain weight for her health and upcoming surgery, while her father supports this advice.
After a near breakdown during class, Lara finds solace in a boy from her building who shows interest in her. They share a kiss, but when he tries to advance physically, she pulls back, opting instead to perform oral sex on him; afterward, she flees. This encounter triggers a heated argument with Mathias, who wishes to understand but is met with resistance from Lara, who shuts down emotionally.
As the studio rehearsals conclude, the students progress to their first stage practice. Exhaustion overwhelms Lara, leading her to collapse backstage. The following morning, as she attempts to leave, her father expresses concern over her lack of appetite, causing her to erupt in frustration and tears. A visit to the doctor reveals that her dancing must cease, and she must concentrate on regaining her strength; otherwise, her surgery will be postponed.
At a family dinner some time later, Lara appears to be in better spirits, receiving compliments on her stunning new dress. She even finds comfort falling asleep while cradling Milo. The next day starts positively with Matthias bringing her coffee in bed before heading out to work and dropping Milo at school. However, in a moment of despair, Lara prepares a bowl of ice, contacts emergency services, and, in a shocking act of self-harm, mutilates her penis with scissors. Matthias remains by her side through the intense emergency response, staying with her in the ambulance and afterward. Ultimately, the film concludes with a recovered Lara, now sporting shorter hair, walking confidently down the street, ready to embrace her future.
Girl Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Lara's Acceptance to Ballet School” to “A New Beginning”. 8 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Lara's Acceptance to Ballet School
Lara Verhaeghen, a fifteen-year-old transgender girl, receives exciting news of her acceptance into a prestigious ballet school in Antwerp. This opportunity represents a significant milestone for her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, marking the beginning of her journey in ballet.
Where:Antwerp, Belgium
- 2
Moving Closer to the School
Excited about her acceptance, Lara moves closer to the ballet school with the support of her father, Matthias, and her younger brother, Milo. This transition plays a crucial role in her life as she embarks on her journey towards self-discovery and artistic expression.
- 3
Beginning Medical Transition
Lara starts discussing her gender dysphoria with medical professionals, leading to her taking puberty blockers. This decision significantly impacts her physical and emotional journey, as she strives to align her body with her gender identity.
- 4
Acceptance and Struggles at School
Although recognized as a transgender girl, Lara finds acceptance among her classmates, who allow her to use the girls' locker room. Despite this, she experiences internal struggles and chooses to use a private restroom for comfort.
Where:Ballet School
- 5
DIY Gender Affirmation Practices
In an attempt to conform to her gender identity, Lara follows the advice of tucking her penis with tape, which takes a severe toll on her body during rigorous ballet training. Despite the physical pain, her dedication to ballet urges her to endure through the adverse effects.
- 6
Milo's Adjustment
While Lara supports her brother Milo, who struggles to adapt to her transition, he still refers to her by her deadname. This added emotional burden complicates Lara's experience as she tries to navigate her own identity while helping her brother.
- 7
Journey Towards Surgery Begins
Lara's doctors determine she is ready to start her sex reassignment surgery journey, prompting her to sign consent documents. This step is significant, as it sets the foundation for her long-term goals and desires regarding her identity.
- 8
Hormone Replacement Therapy
As Lara begins hormone replacement therapy, she becomes increasingly impatient with her body's gradual changes. This impatience heightens her emotional struggles and emerges as part of her quest for authenticity.
- 9
Bullying Incident and Health Concerns
Experiencing bullying during a sleepover leads Lara to leave early and return home. Upon a visit to the doctor, her father learns that Lara has lost weight and developed a genital infection due to the tape, prompting discussions about her health.
Where:Doctor's Office
- 10
Crisis and Emotional Breakdown
After a near breakdown in class, Lara finds solace in an interest from a boy in her building, leading to an intimate encounter. This moment triggers conflict with her father, Matthias, as Lara struggles emotionally to communicate her feelings.
Where:Lara's Building
Show the other 5 events of Girl Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Health Setbacks and Ballet
Following a collapse during a rehearsal, Lara's health comes into question as her father expresses concern over her lack of appetite. A doctor's visit reveals that dancing must cease so she can focus on regaining her strength for upcoming surgery.
Where:Ballet Studio
- 12
Family Dinner and Moment of Joy
During a family dinner, Lara seems to be in better spirits and enjoys the compliments she receives for her stunning new dress. This uplifting moment showcases her resilience and the stability in her family despite their struggles.
Where:Home
- 13
Despair and Self-Harm Incident
In a moment of despair, Lara resorts to self-harm, severely mutilating her penis. This shocking act brings her father into urgent action, emphasizing the depth of her emotional turmoil and the urgent need for support.
Where:Home
- 14
Emergency Response
Following Lara's self-harm, Matthias stays by her side during the intense emergency response, providing unwavering support throughout the ambulance ride. This moment underscores the bond between father and daughter amidst the chaos of her crisis.
Where:Ambulance
- 15
A New Beginning
In the film's conclusion, Lara emerges recovered and walks confidently down the street with her shorter hair. This newfound confidence symbolizes her readiness to embrace her future and the journey of self-acceptance.
Who Are the Main Characters in Girl?
3 characters, among them Lara Verhaeghen, Mathias and Milo: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Lara Verhaeghen
Played by Victor Polster
Lara is a determined fifteen-year-old transgender girl passionate about ballet. She faces numerous challenges as she strives to affirm her gender identity while pursuing her dream. Lara's resilience and vulnerability portray the poignant struggles of adolescence and the quest for self-discovery.
- 🏳️⚧️ Transgender
- 👯♀️ Ballerina
- 🌟 Determined
-
Mathias
Played by Arieh Worthalter
Mathias is Lara's supportive father who grapples with his daughter's transition while trying to understand and support her needs. He offers care and encouragement, yet faces challenges in communication and emotional understanding, representing the complexities of parental love in sensitive situations.
- 👨👧 Supportive
- 💔 Concerned
- 🛡️ Protector
-
Milo
Played by Oliver Bodart
Milo, Lara's younger brother, presents a contrasting viewpoint on their family dynamics. While he struggles with accepting Lara's identity, he is depicted as supportive at times, highlighting the difficulties siblings may face when navigating complex family changes.
- 👦 Brother
- 🤔 Conflicted
- 💙 Supportive
Where and When Is Girl Set?
Girl is set in Antwerp. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie takes place in a contemporary setting, reflecting current societal attitudes and challenges faced by transgender individuals. It explores modern themes of identity formation and the journey towards self-acceptance within a supportive yet complex family and social environment.
Where
Antwerp
Antwerp is a vibrant city in Belgium known for its rich cultural heritage and art scene. It is particularly famous for its historic architecture and as a hub for fashion and design. The city also hosts prestigious institutions, including ballet schools, which attract aspiring dancers like Lara.
- 🏙️ City
- 🎭 Ballet
- 🏥 Healthcare
What Are the Themes of Girl?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Identity, Struggle and Family.
-
01
Identity
The theme of identity is central to Lara's journey as a transgender girl. Throughout the film, she navigates the complexities of her gender identity, seeking to align her physical self with her true self. This quest for authenticity resonates deeply with her dreams of becoming a ballerina, symbolizing the struggle between societal expectations and personal truth.
-
02
Struggle
Lara's story highlights the struggle faced by many in the LGBTQ+ community. From bullying to medical challenges, she battles internal and external obstacles that threaten her well-being. Her determination to pursue her passion for ballet despite these hardships speaks to the resilience required in the face of adversity.
-
03
Family
Family dynamics play a crucial role in Lara's life. Her relationship with her father and brother illustrates the complexities of support and understanding within a family. Despite challenges and miscommunication, the film portrays moments of care and connection that are pivotal in Lara's transition.
How Does Girl End?
The last act of Girl and what it means, in 219 words. The ending lands as happy. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the end, Mira’s realization about Sri and her mother marks a turning point. She comes to see that Sri has been using her and her mother — that his “key” is simply attention, a tool he uses to manipulate those around him. The concept of the “key” reveals that Sri’s charm is just a way to get close, but he doesn’t genuinely care for anyone. Mira recognizes that her mother, who loves her deeply, is the one with the true “key” — her attention and love are authentic and deserve respect. This understanding prompts Mira to see her mother not as a competitor, but as someone who has her own depth and vulnerability. The emotional climax occurs when Mira, for a rare moment, tenderly cares for her mother, giving her a head massage and crying in silence. In that quiet act of connection, Mira processes her feelings of betrayal, frustration, and love, realizing that her mother is human just like her and that she deserves her love and respect. The film ends on this note of reconciliation and emotional honesty, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the love and humanity in our relationships with our parents, even when conflicts and misunderstandings arise. It’s a poignant reminder that true connection comes from understanding and respect, not manipulation or superficial charm.
What Kind of Film Is Girl?
Tense in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Happy
A raw and emotionally intense drama that follows a transgender ballerina's punishing struggle with identity, body dysmorphia, and artistic perfection, creating a constant state of anxious tension that culminates in a shocking act of self-harm before a tentative, hard-won sense of hope.
- anxious
- determined
- isolated
- painful
- intimate
- raw
- gender identity
- transgender journey
- ballet
- self-harm
Content notes: self harm, transphobic bullying, graphic description of self-mutilation, body dysphoria.
Quiz
How well do you remember Girl? Test yourself on the story.
