The film industry has long been dominated by male-led stoner comedies, but Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat are changing the game with their new movie, The Wrong Girls. Directed by Stewart’s wife, Dylan Meyer the film is a vibrant exploration of friendship, chosen family, and the absurdities of life.
Set in Los Angeles The Wrong Girls follows two broke best friends who accidentally stumble upon a top-secret briefcase containing an experimental neon-pink hallucinogen. After ingesting the substance, they gain telepathic powers and embark on a wild adventure to sell the remaining drugs. The film is a love letter to the ’90s screwball stoner comedy, but with a fresh, female-led twist.
Themes of Chosen Family and Friendship
The Wrong Girls is more than just a stoner comedy; it’s a celebration of chosen family and the deep bonds of friendship. Stewart and Shawkat play Frankie and Molly, two women who are more than just friends—they are life partners in every sense of the word. Their relationship is a testament to the power of chosen family, a theme that resonates deeply with many in the LGBTQ+ community.
“These 2 girls have such a deep and committed romance that should be absolutely revered. They’re life partners, but it’s just not romantic. They’re 100 percent and completely in love,” Stewart tells Out. This sentiment is echoed throughout the film, as Frankie and Molly navigate the ups and downs of life together, supporting each other through thick and thin.
A Fresh Take on the Stoner Comedy Genre
Dylan Meyer’s directorial debut is a breath of fresh air in the stoner comedy genre. The film is a vibrant and colorful exploration of the absurdities of life, with a unique visual language that sets it apart from traditional buddy-stoner movies. The set design of Frankie and Molly’s apartment is a testament to their personalities, filled with little details that offer a glimpse into their world.
The film’s eccentric edge is further enhanced by its editing, which captures the hectic and bizarre night that Frankie and Molly are having. Meyer’s script maintains cultural relevance without being cringe or trying too hard to relate to the audience. The film is incredibly witty and resonates with a generation’s type of weird, offbeat humor.
The Power of Female-Led Comedy
The core of The Wrong Girls is its two leads, Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat. Their chemistry is palpable, and they share a delightful, lackadaisical dynamic that allows Frankie and Molly to stand their ground as characters. Stewart and Shawkat are an all-timer female duo, having each other’s backs and standing on their own instead of paying homage to the male duos that came before them.
Stewart’s comedic timing is seriously impressive, and she shares as much screentime as Shawkat. Shawkat grounds Stewart’s wacky Frankie while also having her own time to shine. Neither star feels more important than the other, and it’s hard to find a film starring two women that’s able to have a balance like that.
The Wrong Girls is a vibrant and entertaining exploration of friendship, chosen family, and the absurdities of life. With its unique visual language, witty script, and powerful performances, it’s a film that is sure to resonate with audiences. As Stewart says, “It feels great! Can you see my aura? It’s like a rainbow. No joke, that shit is tight.”
