Angie: Lost Girls is one of those movies that is an engrossing, yet difficult watch. Angie Morgan (Jane Widdop) is a sixteen year old interested in boys, ice cream, and music. A chance encounter leads her into the world of sex trafficking. After escaping, Angie tries to reconnect with the family she has been seperated from for years while dealing with her past.
Director Julia Verdin (who also co wrote the screenplay with Janet Odogwu) did not set out to make an entertaining movie with a message. Angie: Lost Girls is meant to inform and educate audiences about a real problem that often gets overlooked. Verdin – who volunteered at a runaway shelter in Los Angeles – brings personal insight that is not normally found in similar films.
Angie: Lost Girls is gripping. The character arc for the main character transcends the “person overcoming a difficult struggle” tale these movies often turn in to. Obviously, Angie’s story is the one being told, but Verdin also includes what makes her journey different from others in the same situation. This adds a layer of realism.
There are some strong performances in the film. Angie is no different than any other young girl. She is like any other daughter, sister, or neighbor. Even in Angie: Lost Girls most disgusting moments, Despite the extreme nature of the film, Widdon is never over the top. This makes more frightening. There movie gets across the message of “it can happen to anyone”.
The same can be said of the people who run the sex trafficking ring. They are terrifying and vile characters, but everything is played close to the vest. These are not villains; they are horrifyingly evil people that can be found anywhere. The ending of Angie: Lost Girls is a bittersweet one. The movie provides a satisfying resolution to its internal plot. But there is also the realization, there is much more that needs to be done. The film leaves the audience wanting more action to be taken. Which is exactly the point.
Angie: Lost Girls releases December 18
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