Hating Alison Ashley

In the worn‑down suburb of Barringa East, the local primary school serves as both a stage and a battlefield for young ambition. Erica Yurken is a sharp‑tongued, self‑styled intellectual who keeps her classmates at arm’s length, projecting an air of superiority while nursing a secret longing to be the class’s undisputed star. Her household is a kaleidoscope of eccentric siblings and a chaotic home life, giving her a fierce drive to prove herself through academic and theatrical excellence.

The arrival of a new pupil upends the classroom’s uneasy equilibrium. Alison Ashley enters the room with effortless poise, immaculate appearance, and a confidence that seems to outshine even the most polished of Erica’s efforts. Their parallel quests for attention instantly spark a rivalry that crackles with envy, admiration, and the uneasy realization that each girl mirrors the other’s hidden insecurities. The atmosphere buzzes with teenage tension, a blend of sharp wit and unspoken competition that colors every interaction.

Amid the student drama, Miss Belmont stands out as a rare source of structure and encouragement, her disciplined approach offering a brief sanctuary where talent can flourish without the constant sting of comparison. At home, the family dynamic shifts when Lennie, a respectable but unfamiliar figure, becomes part of Erica’s mother’s life, introducing another layer of uncertainty into the already turbulent mix of expectations and self‑image.

The film paints a vivid portrait of a world where the desire for recognition collides with the fragile realities of growing up. Through witty dialogue, understated humor, and a keen eye for the everyday rituals of school life, it explores how rivalry can both ignite ambition and reveal the tender undercurrents that bind its young protagonists together.

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 03:53