Fantastic birthday

This is a coming of age film with a difference. It starts off pretty typically: a teenage Greta on the brink of adulthood struggling to navigate her new world. Starting at a new school and having a 15th birthday party looming forced on her by her well-meaning but clueless mother, she's faced with making some tough decisions regarding the relationships in her life. But after having a falling out with her new best friend at her party, the tone of the movie does a complete 180 as Greta falls asleep and enters a strange dreamland where she's forced to confront her fears about growing up, say goodbye to her childhood and rethink how she views the people in her life. While I really enjoyed this film, I don't think it was adapted from the play very well. The dialogue, direction, style of acting and even some of the special effects are much more suited to the theatre than the cinema. The actors for the most part do an excellent job, but they can't quite shake the staginess of it. Despite it's flaws, it's easy to get lost in the fun, quirkiness of the film and I challenge you to not fall in love with the characters!

Girl Asleep starts as a stylish coming of age "dramedy" about a misfit teenage girl named Greta who is bullied by three girls at school. Befriended by fellow misfit Elliot, the two form a sweet bond early in Act I where the audience is also introduced to Greta's colorful family which includes a quirky mom, a corny joke-telling dad and an apathetic older sister. Once the 2nd Act gets started, the story starts to gradually deviate and by the time Act III comes around, there's almost a complete shift in mood and genre. What was a light and fun narrative had become this kind of darkly juvenile fantasy adventure; it's disruptive and actually really strange.

People who dislike this movie probably have mainstream-shaped taste and minds unable to accept the story being told in any other way than what they expect. They just want the same old plot that makes sense. But this actually IS the same old plot, only in its surreal, oniric version, which is not for everyone, apparently. In my opinion this movie is well done and perfectly uses its means of expression to accomplish exactly what it intended. I admire the artists who manage to find their own expression.

A interesting, fun, awkward teen adventure that will take you on on adventure. Must see film for anyone who never quite fit in.

It has quirkiness, 1970s throw back, girl drama and most importantly dad jokes. Gretel and Elliott will have you cheering from your seats that is OK to just be yourself.

The film is perfectly pitched for teenagers or for anyone who was slightly left of field in high school. So just about everyone!

Great to see Australian Films making its mark up with the big budget releases.

I hope to see more of Whittet's plays adapted to the big screen.

Greta is new in town. New school, new friends and she will be turning 15 soon! Some weird fantasies running through her teenage mind. She is confused about herself, not knowing how to get in touch with her peers. And few popular (and mean) school girls make pressure on her. As if that were not bad enough, her mother planned to organize a birthday party with Greta's new school mates...

Bethany Whitmore doing great job here as Greta. You can really feel with her. Unconventional fantasy story give you a thrill. Supporting characters are on the right place. Really good soundtrack with 70's feeling is really enjoyable.

This is an amazing, warm hearted, visually brilliant coming-of-age movie. Watch it!