Girlhood

Marieme is a 16-year-old who struggles academically and is pushed into a vocational track. Her mother works long hours, while her abusive brother Djibril effectively runs the household. The combination of family stress and limited opportunities shapes her early choices.

On her way out of school, a group led by Lady invites Marieme to join them for a day in the city centre. She initially declines, but after spotting a crush Ismaël among the boys, she agrees to join them.

The girls Lady, Fily, and Adiatou outfit themselves in leather jackets and gold jewelry, and Marieme falls into their dynamic. They fight, intimidate, and steal from others as they spend the day in the city.

The group steals dresses, buys a hotel room, drinks, and uses drugs, lip syncing to Diamonds and dancing all night. The experience cements Marieme's bond with the others and deepens her immersion into their world.

Lady encourages Marieme to ignore Djibril's phone calls and gives her a gold necklace with the name Vic for Victory. The gift signals Marieme's new identity within the gang.

Lady is set up to fight a rival group; she is beaten and her shirt is torn, an act that is seen as a grave disgrace. Her father responds by shaving her head and ordering distance from the group.

Vic confronts the rival and wins by ripping the girl's shirt and bra, asserting her power. The win earns her and Lady's pride and tightens their bond, while Djibril expresses approval.

Djibril brutally assaults Marieme after learning she slept with Ismaël, prompting her to flee her home and seek a different life. She leaves behind the only world that kept her safe, venturing into a new life. The assault marks a turning point that pushes her toward Abou's operation.

Marieme begins working for Abou, moves into an apartment with Monica, and sells drugs while adopting a new appearance with dresses, makeup, and a blonde wig. She often binds her breasts and dresses in loose clothes when not at parties.

At a party hosted by Abou, Marieme dances tenderly with Monica. Abou approaches and tries to kiss her, but she pushes him away and asserts her boundaries.

Ismaël offers to let Marieme stay at his place and marry her, but Vic refuses, expressing she does not want that life.

Vic tries to return home, but when she is buzzed in, she cannot bring herself to enter. The moment is fraught with fear and doubt.

She cries for a moment, then regains her resolve and looks determined. The moment marks a turning point as she decides to walk away from her old life.

With a newly hardened resolve, Marieme walks away from her past toward an uncertain future. The film closes on her looking forward with a determined expression.