Film Information
- Film Title: The Bearded Girl
- Director: Jody Wilson
- Writer: Jody Wilson
- Cast: Anwen O’Driscoll (Cleo), Jessica Paré (Lady Andre/Mom), Skylar Radzion (Josephine), Keenan Tracey (Blazes/Leonard), Toby Hargrave (Harold), Linden Porco (Newton)
- Distribution: Vortex Media
- Release Date: July 17, 2025 (Canada)
- Review by: Mother of Movies
Step right up, film fanatics, The Bearded Girl, by Jody Wilson, and behold this directorial feature debut. This isn’t just another coming-of-age story; it’s a modern, punk-rock-infused fable that shaves off the mundane and embraces the wonderfully weird. Premiering at the Fantasia Film Festival 2025, this independent gem takes up in a world where tradition clashes with personal freedom, and where finding your true self might just mean embracing the very thing you tried to escape.
The Bearded Girl offers a fresh, unfiltered look into the beautiful chaos of identity, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary lives are lived just beyond the spotlight.
The Circus of Kin: Bonds and Burdens
Like any good rebel, Cleo finds these traditions “boring” and longs to modernize the show. Her embarrassment stems from her family’s unique status, making her feel punished by her station in life. This sets the stage for a universal adolescent desire to fit in, amplified by her extraordinary circumstances.
The film’s narrative pivots dramatically when Cleo, seeking true liberation, shaves her beard, declaring;
“The bearded girl is dead”.
Quote from the 2025 Fantasia Festival premiere of The Bearded Girl
This isn’t the end of her journey, but a powerful, rebellious act that propels her into a new, seemingly “normal” life. She even shaves daily to maintain her disguise. Cleo falls for a “loser” cowboy named Leonard, desperately trying to construct a “perfect,” beardless existence. The film cleverly subverts expectations and; her attempt to hide her true self ultimately leads to a different kind of ending, demonstrating that true connection requires authenticity.
Her past, underpinned by her sister Josephine, who eventually calls her back to confront her responsibilities. The true culmination of Cleo’s arc sees her return, not to conform, but to redefine her legacy.
Cleo’s sister, Josephine, serves as a compelling contrast and a vital catalyst. Initially cynical about her clown father, whom she associates with sadness and abandonment, Josephine questions her own nomination as a clown. Yet, she emerges as a more grounded and pragmatic contribution to the community. Her revelation as a lesbian and her role as marketing manager further highlight her divergence from traditional clown-designated origins within the carnival world. Josephine’s crucial role in seeking out Cleo to save their land forces her to confront her responsibilities.
Lady Andre, Cleo’s formidable mother, is the stoic guardian of tradition and the family’s land. Her unyielding resolve to refuse Mr. Sutherland’s threats to sell their property establishes her as a fierce protector of their legacy. Her harsh words to Cleo, calling her a coward and a fraud and delivering a long-hidden truth about Cleo being like her father, reveal deep-seated anxieties and generational trauma. Despite her stern exterior, her ultimate act of preparing to be a warrior and save her property highlights her profound commitment to her family’s survival, even if it means clashing with the next generation.
Beyond the Fringe: Unpacking the Film’s Heart
The Bearded Girl fits in several profound themes that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
Cleo’s journey from rejecting her inherited identity to ultimately embracing and redefining it forms the narrative’s feet. The mystic’s poignant observation that Cleo has no relationship with herself is a direct challenge to superficial appearances. This story isn’t just about a beard; it’s about the universal struggle to reconcile who you are with who you’re expected to be.
The tension between tradition vs. modernity through Cleo’s desire to modernise the show and her initial dismissal of what their community means to them. The Bearded Girl cleverly navigates this opposing force, suggesting that true progress isn’t about abandoning the past, but about reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens. Cleo’s transformation in the final quarter is the ultimate embodiment of this, proving that innovation can be the most profound form of honoring heritage.
Family and legacy are worked through with nuance, bringing down the weight of inherited expectations. Cleo’s struggle with her mother and the mystery surrounding her father’s past lines the painful dynamics of family history. The film suggests that legacy is not a static burden but a living entity that can be shaped by each generation.
The pursuit of freedom and responsibility is another compelling thread. Cleo initially seeks freedom from her responsibilities. Her eventual embrace of leadership, albeit in a modernized form, is beautifully encapsulated in the film’s underlying message: It’s about regrouping and allowing yourself to be free even when shackled by responsibilities and history and everything else that goes along with life.
Finally, the theme of appearance vs. reality, particularly via Cleo’s decision to shave her beard in an attempt to escape. This act initially provides a superficial sense of freedom but ultimately leads to a deeper internal crisis. The film challenges the simplistic stereotype of the “bearded woman”, a figure often dismissed or ridiculed, by illustrating that true freedom comes not from hiding or conforming, but from embracing one’s authentic self, even if it defies societal expectations. Rather than reinforcing caricatures, the story advocates for the power of vulnerability and self-revelation, no matter the risk of rejection. The mystic’s advice serves as a guiding principle for Cleo’s ultimate path to self-fulfillment, emphasizing that inner happiness and self-acceptance are paramount.
“Do what brings you joy and leave the rest behind,”
The Bearded Girl review – Quote from the film
A Canvas of Contradictions: The Film’s Visual Flair
The presence of bright colours at the pool and bikinis is juxtaposed against a traditional carnival setting. It creates a striking visual contrast. This aesthetic choice is akin to how it might look if an Amish township modernised everything, immediately signaling a world where old meets new in unexpected ways.
This visual blending prevents the film from feeling like a period piece, grounding its fantastical elements in a relatable, albeit quirky, reality. The film’s photographic compositions and cinematography, particularly under François Dagenais, are gorgeous with enigmatic shots, lush textures, and clear dedication to framing, making the most of a modest budget.
Behind the Curtain: Performances That Pop
The film’s performances are genuine, with a feeling of reality instead of it feeling like a spectacle. This naturalistic approach allows for a deeper connection. Anwen O’Driscoll, in the lead role of Cleo, delivers a layered performance, bringing her (their?) complex arc to life with remarkable believability. Her ability to convey both emotional vulnerability and determination is a standout. Jessica Paré, as Cleo’s mother Lady Andre, also brings something memorable to the screen, stealing scenes despite her character’s somewhat underdeveloped part. Her portrayal effortlessly conveys the emotion of a mother facing her lore, and the potential loss of her daughter.
The Pulse of Rebellion: Sound and Unique Nuances
The Punk rock ending suggests a deliberate and impactful musical choice for the film’s conclusion. This provides a sonic landscape that aligns with the film’s rebellious spirit and modern undertones, contributing to its overall unique vibe.
Beyond its visual style, The Bearded Girl’s sweet uniqueness sets it apart from other coming-of-age films. This distinct quality stems from its ability to weave a whimsical comedic streak into what could otherwise be a purely dramatic narrative. This blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling creates a film that is both entertaining and leaves you thinking about it. The narrative’s decision to twist into a new universe after Cleo’s initial escape, leading her to a life with Leonard that mirrors the one she left, is clever. This cyclical structure told me that you can from oneself, but true change must come from within.
Conclusion & Rating
The Bearded Girl is one of my favorites from the line up at Fantasia Film Festival. It’s an unconventional journey into the heart of identity and the enduring power of self-acceptance. Jody Wilson’s directorial debut is a testament to independent filmmaking, crafting a world that feels both fantastical and deeply real. It’s a film that asks us to look beyond the surface, to question inherited truths, and to find the courage to define our own legacy. With its vibrant visuals, engaging performances, and a narrative that embraces the messy, beautiful process of becoming, The Bearded Girl shaves off the mundane and leaves you with a punk-rock beat in your soul.
THE BEARDED GIRL is rated
Shaving Off Expectations: 4 out of 5
- Director
- Jody Wilson
- Writers
- Blake Barrie
- Thiago Gadelha
- Jody Wilson
- Stars
- Anwen O’Driscoll
- Jessica Paré
- Skylar Radzion
Online Buzz Surrounding The Bearded Girl
The Bearded Girl premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival 2025, generating early buzz within the festival circuit. Initial reviews, such as those from Film Focus Online and FilmBook, largely praise the film as a “well-acted coming-of-age story”. Critics commend Jody Wilson’s directorial debut, highlighting the strong performances of Anwen O’Driscoll and Jessica Paré, and the film’s unique visual style and cinematography. The film’s ability to offer a fresh perspective on a familiar genre, particularly within the circus setting, is frequently noted.
When the company owns your soul or your data, Mother of Movies defines it as Corporate Overreach, and we have more of that here: Drop 2025 / Freak Off or the series Apple Cider Vinegar.
The Bearded Girl
Director: Jody Wilson
Date Created: 2025-07-17 21:30
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