It Felt Like Love 2014

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.