Two childhood best friends enter high school, and new things crop up for both of them, causing issues, heartache, and leading them to discover themselves a bit more in the process.
Written by Catherine Argyrople and Mariana Fabian with the former also directing. The film here does feel a bit like a Lifetime Movie of the Week or an old school afterschool special. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it gives an idea of what the film feels and looks like. The story here is one that is filled with issues and lessons, something some parents will likely appreciate more than their teenagers if they try to get them to watch together. The writing here is decent with some scenes feeling a bit extra planned and written, as in they do not feel all that natural. Of course, the film here is a first feature for the director, so some leeway should be given here. As first feature, the writing and direction show there is talent here and there is promise. The work is of decent quality, but there is a bit of a lack of experience that shows.
The cast here is a bit uneven with some performances feeling fairly flat even when they are supposed to be heated or angry in the moment. The work of some of the cast does not feel fully professional here and it does hurt the film a little bit. On the positive side, actress Deanna Tarraza is excellent as Natalia (or Nat/Nati as referred as in the film). Her work is stellar here and she anchors the film in a realistic and naturally nuanced performance. She sells the whole film, steals scenes, and makes the most of her character. Also shining is Maia Isabel Frias as Lexie, she gives a supporting performance that works great as such for Tarraza. She’s present, she’s natural, and she doesn’t steal any spotlight but also doesn’t get erased by those around her.
The cinematography by Lynn Weissman is a bit basic but it serves its purpose of bringing the story to the screen. It’s decent, it works, but it has no particular style. It’s there to do a job and the job it does. The score by Joe Chris is as generic as can be with a music that is quite forgettable throughout the film. The soundtrack here has a few songs from Noah in the Open who are featured as a band within the film. Their music is best described as “not for this viewer”.
Overall, Growing Pain is a decently made film with some talent involved. Deanna Tarraza is the highlight of the whole film and elevates all her scenes to make the film as a whole an easier and more agreeable watching experience. As it is, the film should find its audience, perhaps with mothers of teenage girls facing one or more of the issues shown here. As a film, it likely would have been a better watch had it focused on one or two issues and not the entirety of the teenage experience put within two girls’ lives.