🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Marielle Heller
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Release year: 2015
- Runtime (length): 1h 42min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (34K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A teen draws comics about sleeping with her mom’s boyfriend, and it’s somehow deep.
🍿 The Diary of a Teenage Girl: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Minnie Goetze
The film introduces Minnie Goetze, a 15-year-old aspiring cartoonist living in 1970s San Francisco. Minnie is navigating the complexities of adolescence, experimenting with drugs, and exploring her sexuality. Her diary serves as a window into her thoughts, fantasies, and experiences.

Minnie’s Affair with Monroe
Minnie begins an affair with Monroe Rutherford, her mother’s charming but unreliable boyfriend. Monroe is significantly older than Minnie, and their relationship is fraught with power imbalances and ethical concerns. Minnie views the affair as a thrilling adventure and a means of self-discovery.

Growing Complications and Repercussions
As the affair continues, Minnie’s life becomes increasingly complicated. Her relationship with her mother deteriorates, and she struggles to reconcile her fantasies with the reality of her situation. She begins to question Monroe’s motives and the impact of their relationship on her life and those around her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Minnie Goetze (Bel Powley): A precocious and artistic teenager exploring her sexuality in 1970s San Francisco.
- Monroe Rutherford (Alexander Skarsgård): Minnie’s mother’s boyfriend with whom she has an affair.
- Charlotte Goetze (Kristen Wiig): Minnie’s single mother who is oblivious to the affair between her daughter and boyfriend.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Minnie: “I think I’m starting to feel like a real person.” – Minnie expresses a growing sense of self-awareness amidst her experiences, hinting at her journey of self-discovery.
- Minnie: “It’s funny. I felt lost, but now I don’t.” – Said during Minnie’s voice-over, reflecting on her evolving understanding of herself and her place in the world after navigating a difficult time.
- Charlotte: “You’re the bravest girl I know.” – Charlotte acknowledges Minnie’s resilience and courage in navigating complex situations.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $1.5 million
- Domestic Gross: $1.48 million
- Worldwide Gross: $1.55 million
💥 The Diary of a Teenage Girl Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’ really stuck with me. It’s raw and honest, and Bel Powley is incredible. The animated sequences added a unique layer, and it didn’t shy away from the uncomfortable parts of growing up. I felt like I was right there with Minnie, experiencing everything with her. Definitely a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers interested in 1970s period pieces”
- “Those who appreciate indie films with strong female leads”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sexual content”
- “Drug use”
- “Strong language”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “Marielle Heller’s debut is a marvel. Bel Powley shines in this coming-of-age story, which handles complex themes with sensitivity and grace. The film’s visual style and emotional honesty set it apart.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A brave and unflinching look at teenage sexuality. Bel Powley gives a star-making performance. While the subject matter might be uncomfortable for some, the film’s artistry is undeniable.
Audience Reactions
Bel Powley’s performance is phenomenal!: Audiences were captivated by the film’s authenticity and willingness to explore complex themes.
Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama praised for its honesty, strong performances, and unique visual style.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Bel Powley’s portrayal of Minnie Goetze was widely praised, with many critics noting her ability to capture the complexity and vulnerability of a teenager navigating adolescence in the 1970s.”
- “The film is based on Phoebe Gloeckner’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel of the same name. Gloeckner was involved in the film’s production, ensuring the adaptation stayed true to the spirit of the source material.”
- “The film authentically recreates the atmosphere of 1970s San Francisco, from the fashion and music to the social and political climate. The production design aimed for realism while maintaining a visually captivating aesthetic.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Diary of a Teenage Girl?
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability as options may vary by region. You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray online or at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Diary of a Teenage Girl, you might like these similar films:
- Thirteen (2003): Explores similar themes of teenage sexuality, identity, and rebellion, offering a raw and unflinching look at adolescence.
- Almost Famous (2000): Captures the spirit of the 1970s and a young person’s journey of self-discovery within a unique subculture.
- Lady Bird (2017): A coming-of-age story with a strong female protagonist navigating identity, family, and relationships with authenticity and humor.
- Kids (1995): A controversial yet impactful film exploring the lives of teenagers in New York City, dealing with similar themes of sexual exploration and its consequences.
🛒 The Diary of a Teenage Girl Related Products
- The Diary of a Teenage Girl [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray with bonus features and behind-the-scenes content. A must-have for fans of the movie.
- The Diary of a Teenage Girl: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Download or stream the film’s soundtrack, featuring a mix of 1970s classics and original compositions. Relive the film’s atmosphere through its music.
- Bel Powley Signed Movie Poster: A signed movie poster from The Diary of a Teenage Girl featuring Bel Powley’s autograph. A great addition to any movie collection.
- 1970s Fashion T-Shirt: A t-shirt featuring designs inspired by 1970s fashion. Get in the groove of the movie’s vibe with retro aesthetics!
🎧 Soundtrack
The Diary of a Teenage Girl features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is a coming-of-age story about a 15-year-old girl in 1970s San Francisco who begins an affair with her mother’s boyfriend. It explores themes of sexuality, identity, and self-discovery.
You can rent or purchase The Diary of a Teenage Girl on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. It is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Phoebe Gloeckner. While it’s not directly based on a true story, it draws from Gloeckner’s own experiences and observations.
🔥 Bonus Content
Alexander Skarsgård II Youngblood
Ever wondered what ‘The Diary of a Teenage Girl’ would look like as a music video? Check out this fan-made tribute to Alexander Skarsgård’s character – the song choice is surprisingly perfect!
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