Drama
United States of America
The film centers around Madeline, a 16-year-old girl with a complicated past and vivid imagination. She has joined a physical theater workshop led by Evangeline, a director who is passionate about exploring real emotions and experiences through art. Evangeline becomes fixated on Madeline's personal struggles with her mother, and encourages her to use them as inspiration for their group's performance piece.
Madeline becomes increasingly consumed by the project, walking a thin line between acting and living out her own traumas. She develops a close relationship with one of her fellow performers, a compassionate actress named Regina, but struggles to connect with her mother and her therapist.
As the boundaries between reality and performance become blurred, tensions rise within the group, and Evangeline becomes increasingly erratic in her leadership. Madeline's mother also becomes more concerned for her daughter's well-being and becomes involved in the group's activities.
The film ultimately explores the power dynamics at play in the creation of art, and the potential for exploitation and harm when personal stories are co-opted for the benefit of others. Through Madeline's story, the film also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-care in creatives pursuits.
