Sam

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What happens to a girl’s exuberance and wonder as she becomes a woman? This unforgettable portrait of coming-of-age reflects on class, addiction, parenthood, longing, and ambition. Sam adores her father, though he is often absent, while her mother, Courtney, struggles to make ends meet and constantly reminds Sam that her life should be different. At school, Sam feels out of place, uninterested in fitting in with the other girls who follow the rules. Instead, she finds joy in climbing—trees, fences, walls—where she feels a sense of belonging and purpose. As she enters her teens, Sam battles self-doubt and insecurity, yearning for her climbing coach's attention, which blurs boundaries she struggles to navigate. She wishes her father would leave for good, but when he does, she realizes the depth of her loss. Sam grapples with her mother’s pressure to secure a stable future, wrestling with her identity and aspirations. Ultimately, she learns that only she can fulfill her dreams. This beautiful and wise narrative explores the transition from girlhood to womanhood, delving into the complexities of joy, belonging, and self-belief. The answer to what happens to a child's sense of wonder as she grows up is both heartbreaking and hopeful.