Fantastic birthday

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.

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.

The first half of the film was wonderful (I'd give it 9 stars)! It was witty, artistic, imaginative, and delt with really world issues. The characters were fresh and complex, and their conflicts and choices were intriguing. However, halfway through it started to loose all of that, except some of the imaginative aspect, but in a style so unlike the rest of the film it's jarring.

I really enjoyed this Australian coming of age film with a 1970s vibe. It has a Napoleon Dynamite/Moonrise Kingdom feel with a bit of magic thrown in and if that's what you like, you'll enjoy this. It had a few good one-liners that friends still quote today. The only this missing is an official release of the soundtrack, still most of the song are available to buy individually.

'Girl Asleep' is a delightful coming of age dramedy that uses the medium of film in a creative and entertaining way. Less is more (or it should be in features, where directors are too often indulged) and the running time here is succinct; whilst exploring its themes and concerns. Recreating an era on film is never easy, especially on a budget, but Rosemary Myers does a great job as she and the screenwriter (and supporting actor) Matthew Whittet, adapt his stage play and bring some visceral and visual elements to the tale.

The protagonist here is a 14 year old played with smart enthusiasm and sturdiness by Bethany Whitmore (already a seasoned actor at aged 16!). Her Greta undergoes some quick rite of passage as the narrative propels her towards her next birthday and a reluctant participant in her own celebrations. With quirky parents, an apathetic older sister, and a geekily winning best pal played to perfection by Harrison Feldman, Greta has a new school and peer pressure to navigate as well as the looming birthday.

There is much to enjoy about 'Girl Asleep' with its retro first half; resplendent with late 70's furnishings, music, costumes and an altogether more innocent time. The film's shift in tone and style is not unexpected, with some early metaphysical and fantasy components flagging its intentions, but for some this may prove too wayward. There is ultimately a sweetness to this movie, without being saccharine or predictable. With a cast largely of teenagers and lesser known actors, the director wrangles the elements with a deft hand but not intrusively; allowing Matthew Whittet's story to be explored and Greta's turbulent coming of age to be presented in a distinctive style. I hope this movie finds its audience. This is an Australian film to rally for!