Some actresses gravitate toward sitcoms and lighter fare, and we have to accept that’s how it is. But at least Hilary Duff gave us one great serious film, 2009’s “According to Greta.” It’s one of my favorites of that subgenre of coming-of-age films where the girl keeps a journal plastered with drawings and collages.
Duff has the stuff
Duff is on point as the titular 17-year-old who openly advertises to anyone who will listen that she plans to kill herself. She’s just gonna cross a few things off her to-do list, then end it. While a bit more dramatic than usual, “Greta” functions as a sharp portrait of a teen transitioning from her selfish phase to embrace the fact that there are other people on the planet, and that they all have problems.
As revelatory as Duff is in breaking free of Lizzie McGuire to play a troubled teen, I do get a sense that she’s not going to reach the heights (or depths) of Kirsten Dunst in “Crazy/Beautiful,” a similarly themed and slightly better film. Still, director Nancy Bardawil draws a fine performance out of the former Disney teen.
“According to Greta” (2009)
Director: Nancy Bardawil
Writer: Michael Gilvary
Stars: Hilary Duff, Evan Ross, Michael Murphy
Greta’s darkly matter-of-fact list of suicide options causes some stress to the grandparents who have taken her in for the summer. As grandmother Katherine, Ellen Burstyn plays the type of retired woman who has been through a lot and developed a practical view of life, reminding me of what Bonnie Bedelia would do on TV’s “Parenthood.” Hiding her discomfort over Greta’s antics might not be good for Katherine’s health, either.
Evan Ross, as Greta’s potential boyfriend and prospective chef Julie, gives a low-key great turn as he finds himself in the Jay Hernandez situation from “Crazy/Beautiful.” He knows Greta needs help but isn’t sure if he can provide it. And Michael Murphy, as grandfather Jospeh, is the steadying presence, often a mediator after the conflicts and recriminations whipped up by Greta.
A heartfelt, if simplified, look at mental health
The New Jersey beach-and-boardwalk backdrop, and the slow pace of life in the elderly populated Ocean Grove, is relaxing and refreshing to a viewer. To Greta, it’s like what George Clooney would later say about Hawaii in “The Descendants”: “F*** paradise.” If you’re not right on the inside, you are unable to appreciate what’s outside your window.
“Greta” isn’t a deep dive into mental health, and one could argue it trivializes it a bit by giving Greta a profoundly heart-wrenching event to explain her troubled mind. In reality, a person doesn’t need a “reason”; it’s just mixed-up brain chemistry.
That said, Michael Gilvary writes a calm, subtle screenplay that keeps its focus on Greta and the question of whether she can be helped – either by herself or by others. The film has some almost-big set-pieces, always launched by Greta wanting (whether she admits it or not) to make a scene. But the tone always settles back to the relaxing vibe of Ocean Grove.
Gilvary and Bardawil nicely pay things off in a climax that brings Greta’s mom (Melissa Leo) into the mix. One nice moment caught me off guard and had me wishing a box of Kleenex was nearby. Overall, “Greta” follows the same arc as its title character – it wants to be rough around the edges, but I always feel that’s a bit of an act. Its sweet nature can’t totally be covered up — although it’s fun to see it try.
Though “Crazy/Beautiful” is the more dramatic film, “According to Greta” is a respectful, honest portrayal of a teen’s struggles to mature and how those struggles can impact people who care about her.