By: MJ Asuncion
In director Fernanda Tovar’s directorial debut film Sad Girlz the bond between two best friends in Mexico City is put to the test after one of them experiences a traumatic event. As they each process what happened in very different ways, questions arise about friendship, support and whether doing what someone asks is always the same as doing what they need. Sad Girlz is a sensitive and deeply affecting coming-of-age drama that explores the aftermath of trauma, the complexities of friendship and the difficult path toward healing.
Life seems to be heading in the right direction for teenage swimmers Paula (Darana Álvarez)and La Maestra (Rocío Guzmán), two talented athletes who rank among the best on their school’s swim team. The inseparable friends spend nearly every moment together, sharing inside jokes, their own unique language and dreams of seeing the world beyond Mexico City. With an upcoming competition in Brazil on the horizon, the future feels exciting and full of possibility. That carefree optimism is shattered when something happens to Paula one night, an event she refuses to discuss – even with her closest friend. Respecting Paula’s wishes, La Maestra chooses not to press her for answers hoping in time she will open up. At first, life appears to continue as normal, but subtle changes begin to emerge. Paula grows increasingly withdrawn, distant and consumed by sadness. As Paula struggles to cope with her pain in silence, La Maestra finds herself torn between honoring her friend’s boundaries and reaching out to help. Unsure of what the right thing to do is, she wrestles with feelings of helplessness and guilt.
The two young leads shine both individually and as a pair, complementing one another with remarkable ease. Their friendship feels authentic and heartfelt, built on a connection that makes every exchange believable. The dialogue and banter flow naturally and their interactions carry an effortless sincerity that never feels forced or performative. As La Maestra, Rocío Guzmán radiates confidence, wit and a fiercely independent spirit. Beneath her playful and outspoken exterior lies a deep devotion to those she loves, particularly her best friend and her brother. Guzmán captures every facet of the character with impressive nuance, embodying La Maestra’s carefree charm while seamlessly shifting into moments of gravity when the story demands it. Darana Álvarez’s portrayal of Paula serves as a compelling counterpart. More reserved and introspective, Paula expresses her emotions with a quiet intensity that is just as powerful. Álvarez flawlessly delivers with restraint, allowing vulnerability to emerge through subtle gestures, hesitant expressions and lingering silences. Even when Paula says nothing, her emotions resonate loudly. Whether conveying joy, fear, confusion or desperation, Álvarez makes every feeling palpable through her body language and especially through her eyes. At the heart of Sad Girlz is the bond between La Maestra and Paula, friendship defined by trust, loyalty and unconditional love. It is the emotional foundation upon which the film rests, and its impact would not be nearly as profound without the exceptional work of these two gifted actresses.
Mexican writer-director Fernanda Tovar’s acclaimed feature film debut will make its North American premiere at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival. The film originally premiered at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival, where it won both the Crystal Bear and the Grand Prix of the International Jury for Best Film in the Generation 14Plus section. While Sad Girlz tackles delicate subject matter, it avoids becoming overly dark. Instead, it presents its themes with honesty and humanity, highlighting the importance of empathy and the relationships that help support us through difficult experiences.
Sad Girlz is filled with raw emotion and vulnerable moments, balanced by Tovar’s visually playful style and engaging characters. Everything works well together to move the story forward, including the lighting, the various camera angles, the music and the environment. The film offers an intimate portrayal of friendship and the challenges of navigating questions of right and wrong. Tovar set out to tell an honest and deeply emotional story on her own terms and she succeeds beyond expectations.