Over/Under Review: A Beautiful Coming-of-Age Tale of Female Friendship 2026

The Over/Under review highlights a beautiful coming-of-age story of female best friends across five summers. This film, directed with sensitivity, captures the subtle changes in two young girls as they navigate the complexities of growing up.

Plot Overview

Set in New England, the story follows Violet (Emajean Bullock) and Stella (Anastasia Veronica Lee) from ages nine to thirteen. Each summer, they reunite to play in the surf, trap moths, and yearn for sleepovers that never quite work out. But when they return to their separate lives in Los Angeles and San Diego, the challenges of bullying, family strain, and illness test their bond.

Themes of Friendship and Change

The film excels in portraying the incremental nature of growing up. Unlike Richard Linklater's Boyhood, which filmed over a decade, this movie uses subtle physical and emotional shifts—a bit of makeup, new clothes, flat-ironed hair—to show how much can change in a short time. The female friendship is the heart, and the film captures its fragility and resilience.

Performance and Direction

Both young actresses deliver natural, heartfelt performances. The direction avoids melodrama, letting quiet moments speak volumes. The cinematography beautifully contrasts the idyllic summers with the harsher realities of school and home life.

Comparison with Boyhood

Key Takeaways

• Over/Under is a must-watch for its honest portrayal of pre-teen friendship.
• The film's compact timeline makes it a unique counterpoint to Boyhood.
• It highlights how small changes can feel monumental at that age.
• The performances of Bullock and Lee are remarkably mature.

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