Fantasia 2025 | The Bearded Girl

The Bearded Girl is a “Liberating” and emotionally resonant coming-of-age film set against the surreal world of a matriarchal circus, where generations of women proudly sport full beards as part of their performance legacy. At its heart is Cleo, a quiet but determined teen played with deep vulnerability by Anwen O’Driscoll, who no longer wants to live under the weight of tradition. Longing to shave her beard and carve her own path outside the spotlight, Cleo clashes with her commanding mother, Lady Andre (Jessica Paré), whose fierce belief in their legacy masks her own emotional wounds. Director Jody Wilson brings this internal conflict to life with a dreamlike visual style that blends circus with intimate emotional truths.

The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance whimsy with sincerity. With vibrant production design and a tender, often humorous script from a story by Blake Barrie and Thiago Gadelha, The Bearded Girl paints a striking portrait of what it means to feel out of place, even among your own family. Performances across the board are strong, with standout moments from Skylar Radzion as Cleo’s lively sister and Linden Porco in a rare, layered role that avoids caricature. While some prosthetics and a few visuals issue disrupted the viewing of the film, they still don’t take away from the film’s heart or impact.

Courtesy of Fantasia Film Festival

The 2025 Fantasia Film Festival runs from July 16th to August 3rd.