Ellen (2016)

At the tender age of 14, Ellen finds herself navigating a tumultuous life with her promiscuous mother, Nicole, whose evenings are spent in the company of various gentlemen callers. Ellen's world grows more complex as Nicole invites her eerie boyfriend, Leon, to move in. Amidst the chaos, Ellen embarks on a failed journey to reconnect with her estranged father. However, this misadventure inadvertently leads her to cross paths with Kayla, a spirited and rebellious girl, with whom she forms an unbreakable bond marked by laughter and shared defiance against the world. In a twist of fate, Ellen encounters Jason, their charming neighbour, who rescues her from Leon's wrath ignited by the vandalization of his car. Jason's comforting presence during the loss of her beloved Gran also triggers a budding crush in Ellen's heart. Their relationship takes an unexpected turn, leaving Jason taken aback by Ellen's true age, compelling a promise of secrecy from her. Driven by her newfound resolve, Ellen embarks on a journey to Scotland with Kayla and Graham, her truck-driving father. However, tensions flare, leading Ellen to part ways with them. Desperate to return home, she reaches out to Jason, and he obliges. But what awaits her at home is a harsh reality check that threatens to turn her into another faceless statistic. Ellen's tale is a poignant exploration of a teenage girl's turbulent life as she battles her personal demons while striving to seize control of her life. This riveting narrative raises thought-provoking questions about resilience, rebellion, and the search for identity amidst the chaos of adolescence.

Ellen is a drama movie featuring Jessica Barden and directed by Mahalia Belo.

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