Brighton Screens Big Girls Don't Cry

With a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, Big Girls Don't Cry has clearly struck a chord with critics, who have praised its exceptional performances and poignant storytelling. The film tells the story of 14-year-old Sid Bookman, a teenager navigating the challenges of adolescence in a small New Zealand town during the summer of 2006. As she grapples with her relationships with her family and peers, Sid must also confront her own desires and sense of identity.

Directed by Paloma Schneideman, Big Girls Don't Cry is a debut feature that has already garnered significant attention, including a nomination for the World Cinema Dramatic Award at the Sundance Film Festival and a win at the Biarritz Film Festival. The film's cast, which includes Ani Palmer, Rain Spencer, and Noah Taylor, delivers standout performances that bring depth and nuance to the story. Schneideman's subtle yet powerful direction has been particularly praised for its portrayal of the challenges of growing up queer in a rural community.

The film's setting, a small town in rural New Zealand, provides a unique backdrop for the story, capturing the sense of isolation and disconnection that can come with adolescence. As Sid navigates her relationships and desires, the film raises important questions about identity, community, and the challenges of growing up. With its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances, Big Girls Don't Cry is a film that will resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.

On Monday, 9 November 2026, the Duke of York's Picturehouse in Brighton will screen Big Girls Don't Cry, followed by a Q&A with director Paloma Schneideman and cast member Noah Taylor. Tickets are with the button beside the article. This special screening event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the film and its creators, and to explore the themes and ideas that make Big Girls Don't Cry such a compelling and thought-provoking work.