Girl Asleep

Greta arrives at a new school as a 14-year-old outsider in the late 1970s. She tests the waters of her new environment and quickly notices two kinds of peers: a kind classmate in Elliott and a stylish trio who try to pull her into their circle. The tension between longing for belonging and fear of rejection sets the tone for her first days.

Greta forms a tentative friendship with Elliott, who seems sincere and supportive. At the same time, Jade, Sapphire and Amber pressure her to join their clique, wielding social influence like a weapon. Greta feels pulled between genuine connection and the expectations of the powerful girls.

Greta's mother worries she has no real friends and plans a large party inviting the entire school. Greta resists the idea, but she ultimately agrees to go along in order to make her mother happy. The party promises fun, but its artificial cheer increases the pressure Greta already feels. The anticipation is heavy as the date approaches.

On the day of the party Greta initially taps into a spark of fun, surrounded by familiar faces. Amber and her friends pull her aside and sing a mocking song about Greta's body, shattering her sense of safety. Greta flees the room in tears, feeling humiliated and alone.

Elliott musters the courage to tell Greta he has a crush on her, but she responds with cold rejection that stings and complicates their fragile friendship. The moment is layered with the party's cruelty, amplifying Greta's social anxiety. She shuts him down in a way that deepens her emotional isolation.

That night Greta notices a strange creature in her room that has stolen her treasured music box. She gives chase and finds herself lured into the forest behind her house, where unseen threats lurk. The encounter signals the start of a surreal journey beyond her ordinary life.

Deep in the forest Greta meets the Huldra, a mysterious protector who rescues her from danger. The encounter promises aid, but the two are soon separated, forcing Greta to continue her quest alone. She clings to the music box as the key to returning home.

Separated from the Huldra, Greta searches for her music box and confronts a woman who smashes several other music boxes, freezing Greta in place. The act feels personal and malicious, turning her peril into a battle against a painful memory. The surreal danger underscores that her past is being weaponized against her.

With renewed hope, the Huldra returns to rescue Greta again and helps her slip back into her own world. Back in her bedroom, Greta feels the pull between the fantastical journey and the ordinary life she must resume. The experience strengthens her resolve to recover what was taken and to face herself.

Greta confronts corrupted versions of Amber, Jade and Sapphire and learns to resist their manipulations. After a tense struggle, she finds the creature that stole her music box and discovers it is actually her own child self. The revelation reframes her trauma as something to nurture rather than conquer. It marks a turning point toward self-acceptance.

Greta awakens in her bedroom and is comforted by her older sister, who reminds her that growing up can be awkward but she isn't alone. The sister's warmth grounds Greta and offers a different perspective on the challenges she faces. Greta realizes she does not have to face her fears alone.

Returning to the party, Greta apologizes to Elliott for her earlier harshness and signals a clearer attempt to repair their friendship. She carries the memory of her journey with her as she moves through the crowd. The sense of purpose helps her participate in the party with more balance.

With new resolve, Greta asks Elliott to switch clothes so she can shed the uncomfortable dress her mother forced on her. Clad in Elliott's suit, she asserts agency over how she is seen and how she experiences the celebration. She steps into the moment with a steadier sense of self.

Decked out in the suit she chose, Greta blows out her candles and celebrates her 15th birthday with a quiet, newfound confidence. The night marks a turning point in her understanding of friendship, family, and growing up. She leaves the party feeling connected to herself and hopeful about the future.