Review of 'Little Trouble Girls': Slovenia's Oscar Submission Offers a Dreamy, Tempting Take on Teenage Hormones and Musical Harmony

Inspired by a Sonic Youth track, Little Trouble Girls enchants from its opening image to its tender closing moments, merging the ethereal with the earthly. Director Urka Djuki follows an introverted student as she joins her school choir and becomes captivated by a bolder, more daring classmate, blending youthful curiosity with spiritual undertones.

The film begins with a striking close-up of a medieval depiction of Christs woundan audacious visual that sets the tone for a story full of surprises. With outstanding performances, particularly from the two lead actresses, and a daring mix of visual and sound design, Djuki creates a spellbinding exploration of adolescent awakening and emotional discovery.

Jara Sofija Ostan stars as 16-year-old Lucia, a reserved girl with a distant gaze, navigating her first day in the Catholic school choir. She is immediately drawn to Ana-Maria (Mina vajger), an outgoing alto with red lipstick and magnetic confidence. Lucias mother (Nataa Burger), attentive but controlling, forbids makeup, subtly shaping her daughters budding independence.

The narrative unfolds over a three-day choir retreat at an Ursuline convent in Cividale del Friuli, Italy. The journey introduces Lucia to Ana-Marias cliqueKlara (Staa Popovi) and Urula (Mateja Strle)and to the captivating sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside, including a mysterious man (Mattia Cason) working on convent renovations. Their presence adds intrigue to the otherwise secluded setting.

A flirtatious prank by Ana-Maria escalates into a pivotal moment between the two girls, exploring mischief, temptation, and the complexities of adolescent bonds. Throughout the retreat, Ana-Marias playful charm shifts into something more teasing, captured beautifully by Lev Predan Kowarskis cinematography. The girls initial friendliness gives way to subtle cruelty, highlighting Lucias outsider status and vulnerability.

Nighttime games and candid conversations deepen the tension and curiosity, including an encounter with a nun that sparks Lucias contemplation of spirituality and commitment, while simultaneously igniting confusion about desire. Djuki portrays every seemingly ordinary moment with an intensity that magnifies the emotional stakes.

Visually, the film is lush, capturing summer light and vibrant natural scenes, while close-ups brim with energy and symbolism. The choir performances, including Bach and Slovenian folk pieces, were sung live by the cast under Jasna itniks direction, contributing to the films immersive soundscape. Whispered refrains, often unintelligible, reinforce the sensory layering, notably the phrase Sound is light, reflecting the movies synesthetic qualities.

At its heart, Little Trouble Girls is about finding harmony on ones own terms. A particularly intense rehearsal scene showcases the tension between Lucia and her conductor, illustrating the unspoken pressures of adolescence and authority. This leads to a poignant resolution, emphasizing Lucias unique path and the personal growth she achieves outside the expectations of her peers.

Djukis film is a sensitive, visually rich portrayal of teenage self-discovery, musical exploration, and the intricate dance between innocence, curiosity, and awakening desire.

Author's Commentary: Little Trouble Girls – A Subtle Mastery of Adolescent Exploration

Little Trouble Girls excels in translating the fragile intensity of teenage experiences into a cinematic language that is both visually and emotionally compelling. Director Urška Djukić carefully balances ethereal imagery with grounded, relatable moments, allowing the audience to inhabit Lucia’s perspective fully.

The performances by Jara Sofija Ostan and Mina Švajger anchor the film, conveying the nuances of attraction, curiosity, and social tension without resorting to melodrama. The choir retreat setting is more than a backdrop—it becomes a character in itself, emphasizing isolation, discovery, and the quiet intensity of formative experiences.

Visually, the film thrives on contrast: close-ups of symbolic imagery, vibrant natural landscapes, and carefully orchestrated light create a sense of emotional layering. Combined with live musical performances and a synesthetic sound design, these elements elevate the narrative beyond conventional coming-of-age storytelling.

Ultimately, Little Trouble Girls is a study in personal growth and the search for harmony amidst external pressures. Lucia’s journey reflects a universal tension between conformity and self-expression, rendered with sensitivity and precision. The film’s strength lies in its ability to make ordinary moments feel profound, revealing the delicate intersections of innocence, desire, and identity.

Sources:

• ‘Little Trouble Girls’ Review: Slovenia’s Oscar Submission Puts a Dreamy, Tantalizing Spin on Teenage Hormones and Musical Harmonies