Year: 2019
Runtime: 105 min
Language: English
Director: Lukas Dhont
Eleven-year-old Ama and her mother have created a secluded and protected existence, shielding themselves from the outside world. As Ama grows older, her curiosity and longing for connection begin to challenge their carefully constructed boundaries. This forces her mother to face a difficult past she has tried to escape, and to reconsider the fragile foundation of their unusual life together.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Girl (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Lara Verhaeghen is a fifteen-year-old Belgian transgender girl with dreams of becoming a professional ballerina. Upon applying to a prestigious ballet school in Antwerp, she is thrilled to be accepted, provided she impresses during an eight-week trial period. Excited about this opportunity, she moves closer to the school with her supportive father, Mathias, and her younger brother, Milo. During this significant transitional phase, Lara engages in conversations with doctors regarding her gender dysphoria, starts taking puberty blockers, and regularly sees a supportive psychiatrist, Le docteur Pascal.
Lara thrives academically, and even though her status as a transgender girl is known among her peers, she is generally accepted by her classmates, who allow her to use the girls’ locker room, although she feels more comfortable using a private restroom. In an attempt to conform to her gender identity, Lara follows the dangerous advice of tucking her penis with tape during practices, which takes a toll on her body as she trains relentlessly for ballet. Despite the pain, her commitment to the art and the desire to present as her authentic self push her forward. Meanwhile, Milo struggles to adapt, still calling her by her deadname. Lara remains supportive, helping him get ready and taking him to school each day while also keeping a watchful eye on him.
As time goes by, the doctors decide that Lara is ready to begin her sex reassignment surgery journey. She eagerly signs the consent documents, knowing the entire process will span over two years. During a discussion with her psychiatrist, she reveals her desire to wait until she has the “right body” before dating. However, her psychiatrist encourages her to relish her teenage experience.
Though she starts hormone replacement therapy, Lara feels her body is not changing quickly enough. One evening, during a sleepover with friends, she faces bullying, prompting her to return home early. She discovers her father dining with his new girlfriend and feigns a stomach ache for the distraction. Matthias gently probes her feelings on the way to a doctor’s appointment, where they discover that Lara has lost weight and has developed a genital infection due to the tape. The doctor insists she can’t continue this practice and needs to gain weight for her health and upcoming surgery, while her father supports this advice.
After a near breakdown during class, Lara finds solace in a boy from her building who shows interest in her. They share a kiss, but when he tries to advance physically, she pulls back, opting instead to perform oral sex on him; afterward, she flees. This encounter triggers a heated argument with Mathias, who wishes to understand but is met with resistance from Lara, who shuts down emotionally.
As the studio rehearsals conclude, the students progress to their first stage practice. Exhaustion overwhelms Lara, leading her to collapse backstage. The following morning, as she attempts to leave, her father expresses concern over her lack of appetite, causing her to erupt in frustration and tears. A visit to the doctor reveals that her dancing must cease, and she must concentrate on regaining her strength; otherwise, her surgery will be postponed.
At a family dinner some time later, Lara appears to be in better spirits, receiving compliments on her stunning new dress. She even finds comfort falling asleep while cradling Milo. The next day starts positively with Matthias bringing her coffee in bed before heading out to work and dropping Milo at school. However, in a moment of despair, Lara prepares a bowl of ice, contacts emergency services, and, in a shocking act of self-harm, mutilates her penis with scissors. Matthias remains by her side through the intense emergency response, staying with her in the ambulance and afterward. Ultimately, the film concludes with a recovered Lara, now sporting shorter hair, walking confidently down the street, ready to embrace her future.
Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:31
Still wondering what the ending of Girl (2019) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.
In the end, Mira’s realization about Sri and her mother marks a turning point. She comes to see that Sri has been using her and her mother — that his “key” is simply attention, a tool he uses to manipulate those around him. The concept of the “key” reveals that Sri’s charm is just a way to get close, but he doesn’t genuinely care for anyone. Mira recognizes that her mother, who loves her deeply, is the one with the true “key” — her attention and love are authentic and deserve respect. This understanding prompts Mira to see her mother not as a competitor, but as someone who has her own depth and vulnerability. The emotional climax occurs when Mira, for a rare moment, tenderly cares for her mother, giving her a head massage and crying in silence. In that quiet act of connection, Mira processes her feelings of betrayal, frustration, and love, realizing that her mother is human just like her and that she deserves her love and respect. The film ends on this note of reconciliation and emotional honesty, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the love and humanity in our relationships with our parents, even when conflicts and misunderstandings arise. It’s a poignant reminder that true connection comes from understanding and respect, not manipulation or superficial charm.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44
Don't stop at just watching — explore Girl in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Girl is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Girl with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Girl. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
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