Beautiful Girls (released in theaters on Feb. 9, 1996) is a poignant and sharply observed ensemble drama that captures the specific melancholy of a small-town high school reunion. Directed by Ted Demme and written by Scott Rosenberg, the film eschews the broad humor of typical “buddy movies” in favor of a lyrical, conversational style that explores the anxieties of men entering their late twenties.
Set against the snowy, blue-collar backdrop of Knight’s Ridge, Massachusetts, it serves as a quintessential “quarter-life crisis” film, filled with a deep sense of place and a cast that perfectly embodies the friction between youthful dreams and adult reality.
Willie Conway (Timothy Hutton) is a jazz pianist living in New York City who returns to his hometown for his ten-year high school reunion.
Uncertain about his career and his relationship with his girlfriend Tracy (Annabeth Gish) back in the city, Willie seeks solace in his old friends.
Among them are Tommy (Matt Dillon), a snowplow driver still carrying on a stagnant affair with his high school sweetheart Darian (Lauren Holly) despite her marriage to Steve (Sam Robards) and Tommy’s relationship with Sharon Cassidy (Mira Sorvino); Paul (Michael Rapaport), a man-child obsessed with supermodels who refuses to commit to his long-suffering girlfriend (Martha Plimpton); and Mo (Noah Emmerich), the only member of the group who seems to have achieved a stable domestic life.
As the group gathers at the local pub managed by the blunt and wise-cracking Gina (Rosie O’Donnell), their insecurities come to the fore.
The social dynamic is shifted by the arrival of Andera (Uma Thurman), a sophisticated visitor whose beauty and intelligence throw the men into a tailspin of self-doubt.
Meanwhile, Willie finds an unexpected intellectual and emotional connection with his 13-year-old neighbor, Marty (Natalie Portman), whose “old soul” wisdom forces him to confront his fear of growing up.
Surrounded by other town fixtures played by Pruitt Taylor Vince, Max Perlich, and David Arquette, the friends navigate a weekend of bar fights, romantic blunders, and cold revelations.
By the time the snow begins to thaw, Willie and his friends must decide if they are ready to leave the safety of their past behind to face the uncertain transition into true adulthood.
Beautiful Girls (Photo/Miramax)
Reception for Beautiful Girls
Beautiful Girls grossed $2.8 million on its opening weekend, finishing seventh at the box office. The top grossing film of the week was Broken Arrow, earning $15.6 million on its debut weekend.
The film would gross $27 million worldwide.
Roger Ebert gave Beautiful Girls three and a half out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Beautiful Girls is remembered as a definitive “hangout” movie of the 1990s.
The film is celebrated for its evocative, wintery atmosphere and a soundtrack that perfectly underscored the film’s nostalgic tone, featuring a memorable Neil Diamond sing-along that became an iconic cinematic moment.
It has grown into a significant cult favorite, frequently cited alongside Diner and The Big Chill as a premier exploration of male friendship and the bittersweet nature of returning home.
