Lindsey Copeland’s feature film, Girls Night, was shown last month at Richmond’s Byrd Theatre as part of the Richmond International Film Festival. Its themes relating to female friendship and the changes in people’s lives that occur as they grow older had an obvious appeal for the college-aged women of RVA.
Lindsey Copeland’s feature film, Girls Night, was shown last month at Richmond’s Byrd Theatre as part of the Richmond International Film Festival. Its themes relating to female friendship and the changes in people’s lives that occur as they grow older had an obvious appeal for the college-aged women of RVA. Before the screening of Girls Night began, a crowd of loud, college sorority girls accumulated at the entrance. I was not thrilled at the idea of listening to a bunch of wooing whenever they decided something was entertaining. I was thus already on the fence about how this was going to turn out.
I dragged my sister along with me for another female perspective from the target audience. We thoroughly enjoyed the four shorts that preceded the main event, and I grew more hopeful for the film and the sorority’s ability to remain quiet.
Once Girls Night got going, I found that I actually wasn’t disappointed. While some of the more emotional scenes failed to pull at my icy heartstrings, the comedy scenes (and maybe even some of the “sad” ones) definitely made me laugh. I, along with many others I’m sure, have experienced plenty of drunken and utterly ridiculous nights in college with my best friends.
The five main characters all went to school together in Boston, but had grown apart since their graduation. In the film, they reunite for one night to go see their favorite band–but manage to lose the tickets. The audience gets to follow them around as they try to find them. That plot point is a little too orchestrated to seem realistic, but the inherent feelings about what it’s like to be that age and having that sort of experience are very relatable.
Most of the girls, despite having degrees, are still a little lost. They still have family problems, employment issues, and definitely some relationship failures. Life continues after college, with or without your friends. I won’t spoil the end, but they all seem to decide it’s always going to be better if you’re around your friends.
I don’t love the notion that you should stick near your friends, regardless of other opportunities. But while watching, I did start feeling nostalgic for those nights with my friends–and I haven’t even graduated yet. Perhaps there’s something to be said for striking a balance between friendship and career goals. Overall, Girls Night is not a bad way to spend an hour and a half–even in the company of sorority girls.
