How to Build a Girl
In 1990s Wolverhampton, Johana Morrigan uses her vibrant imagination to cope with a turbulent family life. Her unconventional music reviews gain attention from indie rock critics, leading her to create the persona of Dolly Wilde – a celebrated critic known for her bold opinions and desire for recognition. As Dolly’s fame grows, Johana questions the cost of her ambition and grapples with the possibility that she’s lost sight of her true self in the pursuit of success.
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Timeline & Setting – How to Build a Girl (2020)
Explore the full timeline and setting of How to Build a Girl (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:59
Main Characters – How to Build a Girl (2020)
Meet the key characters of How to Build a Girl (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:59
Major Themes – How to Build a Girl (2020)
Explore the central themes of How to Build a Girl (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.
Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:59
Explore Movie Threads
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Movies about creative identity and reinvention like How to Build a Girl
Stories of artists and outsiders who create a bold new persona to chase their ambitions.If you liked How to Build a Girl, you'll enjoy these movies about ambitious young creators, musicians, and writers who reinvent themselves. Discover similar stories of navigating art scenes, facing the price of fame, and the bittersweet journey of finding your true voice.
C.R.A.Z.Y.
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Me and Orson Welles
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Big Time Adolescence
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I Used to Go Here
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While We're Young
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How to Build a Girl
2020
Not Fade Away
2012
The Fabelmans
2022
Almost Famous
2000
I Like Movies
2024
Grean Fictions
2013
Almost Famous
2017
200 Pounds Beauty
2017
200 Pounds Beauty
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The Toilers and the Wayfarers
1997
Narrative Summary
The narrative follows a protagonist, often young and full of potential, who feels like an outsider. To achieve their dreams in a creative field (music, writing, art), they construct a powerful alter ego. This leads to initial success and validation, but the central conflict arises when the fabricated persona threatens to consume their original self, forcing a climactic moment of self-reflection and integration.
Why These Movies?
These films share a focus on the creative process as a form of self-discovery and rebellion. They blend energetic, niche-world settings with the deeply personal, awkward, and transformative arc of building—and then questioning—a public identity. The tone is typically witty and self-reflective, with a bittersweet undercurrent.
90s coming-of-age comedy dramas with music like How to Build a Girl
Energetic stories of teenage self-discovery set against a vibrant 1990s backdrop.Find more movies like How to Build a Girl that capture the vibe of 90s teenage life. These similar films feature witty dialogue, transformative journeys, and a nostalgic soundtrack, perfect for fans of earnest, character-driven stories about finding yourself through music and rebellion.
How to Build a Girl
2020
The Banger Sisters
2002
Boy Meets Girl
2015
Never Been Kissed
1999
Some Kind of Wonderful
1987
Pretty in Pink
1986
Boys and Girls
2000
Singles
1992
Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael
1990
Hey Hey It's Esther Blueburger
2010
Senior Year
2010
Skipped Parts
2000
Gregory’s Girl
1980
Big Girls Don’t Cry… They Get Even
1991
Beautiful Thing
1996
Narrative Summary
The plot centers on a smart, unconventional teenager navigating high school, family dynamics, and their own insecurities. Their salvation and path to self-discovery often lie in a passionate interest, like a local music scene. The story unfolds with a steady, linear pace, hitting beats of personal humiliation, small triumphs, and ultimately, a hopeful sense of earned self-acceptance.
Why These Movies?
These movies are grouped by their distinct time-capsule quality and a shared mood of energetic, nostalgic awkwardness. They balance comedy with genuine emotional weight, creating a bittersweet but ultimately hopeful tone. The 90s setting isn't just backdrop; it's integral to the character's sense of possibility and identity.
Unlock the Full Story of How to Build a Girl
Don't stop at just watching — explore How to Build a 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 How to Build a Girl is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
How to Build a Girl Summary
Read a complete plot summary of How to Build a Girl, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
How to Build a Girl Timeline
Track the full timeline of How to Build a Girl with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
