There are times in movies where you see someone for the first time and you know immediately that person is not just going to be a successful actor, but a damn superstar. It doesn’t always click in their first film, which most of the time is nothing more than a cameo or someone who is cast aside after their line or two. But when they get a chance to really dig into a role they nail it.
The minute Angelina Jolie shows up on screen in Foxfire is one of those times. Dropped off at school on a rain soaked day, dressed head to toe in black (which wouldn’t terrify people for a few more years), and kicking a butterfly knife along the ground so it avoids the metal detectors, you know her character, Legs, is going to make an impact on someone. She’s got a “fuck you” attitude and she’s not afraid to give it to anyone in a position of authority, especially if that figure is a scumbag predatory teacher who uses all the power of his job to gaslight young ladies into accepting his lecherous behavior, but not before rescuing a frog from imminent dissection. Soon enough, she turns her eyes towards some fellow outcasts that are in need of rescuing themselves.
Foxfire is one of those movies that you wish all young people would watch, or at least 2/3rds of it. It’s easy to recognize yourself in at least one of the group of outcasts, whether it be Goldie with her overbearing parent and substance use issues, shy Rita who just wants someone to like her, Maddy who is feeling the pressure of college, Violet who’s gotten a reputation at school because she’s made the mistake of enjoying sex, and of course the rebel with a cause, Legs. Alone, these girls who barely knew one another, were struggling and made easy targets for anyone looking to take advantage of them, but soon after kicking the ever loving hell out of their teacher Mr. Buttinger (and receiving a subsequent suspension), the girls take the time to bond with one another and recognize that the troubles they are facing are a little easier with a caring support system. It’s empowering to watch these young women be there for each other, especially when most of the men in their lives either can’t or won’t make the effort to understand them. While some of their bonding might be a little questionable (tattoos and drinking, just to name a few) it’s hard to argue that they aren’t becoming better people while those around them continue down the same narrow paths.
Unfortunately for me, all of the messaging gets a bit lost once we get to the third act and the melodrama is kicked into overdrive with attempted rapes, kidnappings at gunpoint, and some grand theft auto. While it might have made the stakes a little higher and added a sense of danger I didn’t find it necessary at all. Being young and misunderstood feels dangerous enough without a gun.
But getting back to Jolie. While the other actors certainly hold their own, it’s obvious that she’s going to go on to be the star. There’s some powerful acting going on with just those eyes of hers, as she’s capable of expressing so many emotions without saying a word. The final goodbye scene is powerful without her having to say much at all. It wouldn’t take long for that talent to get recognized and rewarded as she’d win a Golden Globe and receive an Emmy nomination the following year for her work in George Wallace, another Golden Globe win and Emmy nomination for Gia, and yet another Golden Globe win and an Oscar win for Girl, Interrupted. Not too bad for a few years.
Sadly, no one else involved with the film would go on to such a wonderful career. Director Annette Haywood-Carter would only make a few other movies and screenplay writer Elizabeth White, who adapted the work from Joyce Carol Oates’ book, wouldn’t receive another screenplay credit at all. I wish I knew why, as this film certainly should’ve garnered them more work.
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
