Being on the cusp of your teenage years can be a scary prospect. It’s the cutoff point where the world begins to feel more tangible and boundaries begin to shift. Perceptions change, especially about ourselves, and this is where self-image enters the equation. How do we present ourselves to the world around us, both in social environments and at home?
Casey (Oona Yaffe) has spent most of her life abiding by the strict rules of her parents, Ayn (Michelle Krusiec) and military man Bill (Michael Perl). As a newcomer to the army base and school after her family’s relocation, Casey is required to have her portrait taken. At face value, the story of Picture Day is simple enough. But for Casey, the event carries a very different connotation. The setting is captivating in its own right. Fort Ramsey has its charming side, as we see it through the girl’s curious eyes. For those who have watched Luca Guadagnino’s We Are Who We Are, you’ll likely feel right at home in the sun-soaked barracks, where a brewing journey of self-discovery challenges traditions.
Soldiers and fighter jets are the norm for the bratty Casey, having been through several military establishments throughout her youth. She even commemorates each base with a bug, pinning them to a board just for herself. If you look carefully, you’ll definitely find that the 12-year-old has amassed quite the collection. However subtle, these nuances make Picture Day a captivating watch. Shots are allowed to breathe and exist, which in turn garner appreciation for each character and every little detail. Director of Photography Robert Nachman and director Kelly Pike choose to focus on objects and moments that seem almost insignificant. And yet they still matter tremendously. They all serve to illustrate that Casey has never had the chance to settle and, consequently, to fit in.
Then, naturally, we arrive at the pivotal moment: her fated picture day at school. Casey’s mother prepares for this by insisting on cutting her hair, but encounters resistance when her daughter declares her desire to have her ears pierced for the occasion. This step towards affirming her physical appearance is a major one and something not taken lightly by her parents, especially Ayn, who is left blindsided. Regardless of your gender, you can absolutely sympathize with Casey’s dilemma, where she must confront the expectations of those around her and her own individualism. Oona Yaffe’s mature portrayal of Casey punctuates this development, brilliantly counterbalanced by Krusiec’s powerful turn as her on-screen mother.
With striking performances and an empathetic vision of youth at its forefront, Kelly Pike’s coming-of-age drama is one of the best in recent memory.
