There are several films about lost youth which are more focused in showing the background, the atmosphere, and the feelings than events themselves. This French film clearly is part of that tradition, and does it well. It is about the lack of opportunities, family problems, the life of black people in French peripheries, the blurred border between honest life and criminal one, the naturalization of violence. It is about being a woman in a sexist environment. It is also about true friendship, which may rise from gang belonging, and still be sincere. Without condescension with any character, the movie also shows that reality is multilayered, and not made by coherent always good citizens. Both the girl gang and Vic's siblings provide very well done and interesting interactions. I also loved the light of the scenes, particularly indoor ones, which worked quite well in the shooting of black skin.
