thirteen

On the road between prepubescent and teenager lie the hottest coals of desire for acknowledgement, acceptance, and independence, as well as the sharpest barbs of cunning and manipulation. Thirteen is a splendidly vibrant and authentic portrait of what this road looks like for youths in the new millennium.

At the edge of adolescence, Tracy (Evan Rachael Wood) is a promising student and the loving apple of her mother's eye. But that was before she fell under the spell of Evie (Nikkie Reed), the most popular and beautiful girl in school. Tracy aches to become Evie's friend but fails the secret code of acceptable. Wrong socks, wrong look. As Tracy transforms to reach for a new life, her world becomes a boiling, emotional cauldron fueled by new tensions between her and her mother, teachers, and old friends. Each decision is radical, each choice is more, each crisis is huge, and it all makes Tracy squeal with horror and excitement. But that's what it's like to be 13!

Thirteen is an uncommonly brilliant effort thatched from a pitch-perfect script cowritten by director Catherine Hardwicke and 13-year-old ciostar Reed. Inspired production design and exceptional performances are the polish on this emotionally penetrating effort, which heralds Hardwicke as an incredibly exciting new filmmaker.