Do Revenge updates the teenage makeover trope

Photo by Kim Sims/Netflix

Whatever you think about this movie, you’re probably wrong.

Where would the teen movie genre be without the makeover montage? Masu: A reluctant, unfashionable new girl is completely transformed into the image of the Queen Bee character. Netflix take revengethis trope – and all its problematic associations – is explored in a whole new way.

Casual, full of flashy costumes and suspenseful intrigues, take revenge Flip the classic teen rom-com. The story is set in a bombastic private school and follows the unlikely friendship between It Her Girl character Drea (Camila Mendes) and awkward transfer student Eleanor (Maya Hawke). Like any healthy relationship, their bond is built on a quest for revenge. Spoiler first.

take revenge
Photo by Kim Sims/Netflix

In the film, Drea seeks revenge on her ex-boyfriend. Eleanor, meanwhile, wants to take down her former classmate Carissa, who kicked her out and spread rumors about her being a predatory lesbian. To make this plan a success, Drea suggests that it’s time to give the unassuming Eleanor a bold new look.

But the problem is, Eleanor isn’t the accidental newcomer she seems to be. With an oversized wardrobe, dark colors, and a hat that says “I hate it here,” she stands out against a sea of ​​preppy pastels. She even objects to the idea of ​​a makeover (a classic!), saying, “It feels so problematic,” to which Drea responds, “It is, but it’s fun!”

Photo by Kim Sims/Netflix

This exchange sets the stage for the film’s twist on the makeover trope, orchestrated by costume designers Alana MorseheadUnlike the teen movie makeovers of old, Eleanor doesn’t adopt the image of a popular Type A girl. Eleanor’s new style is simply an enhancement to who she already has. Her long brown hair is cut and bleached. She trades her muted color palette for warm hues and florals, referencing ’60s fashion and staying true to her androgynous side with pantsuits, Bermudas, her shorts and overalls.

take revenge
Photo by Kim Sims/Netflix

This is a refreshing break from the Carbon Copy makeover arc we’ve grown accustomed to.of ignorance, fashion expert Cher (Alicia Silverstone) molds Brittany Murphy’s tie into a brunette version of herself, adding a mean streak. and, mean girlsCaddy (Lindsay Lohan) goes from outsider to villain who wears miniskirts to blend in with plastics.

Due to his growing social status and sense of superiority, the newly transformed character becomes a high school tyrant many times over. But Eleanor didn’t have to change her costume to convey her witty side. take revengeThe transformation target is actually the mastermind.

In the third act, we learn that Eleanor didn’t seek revenge on her classmate Carissa. She was actually targeting — wait — Drea.After all, Drea was the one who spread the rumors about Eleanor years ago, who befriended her on purpose to put her down.Here’s the deeper symbolism of her transformation. be take revenge.

take revenge
Photo by Kim Sims/Netflix

At the beginning of the film, a pre-transformation Eleanor alludes to Drea’s plans in a cryptic inner monologue. “She doesn’t know it yet, but we’re trying to be best friends,” she quipped.

After Eleanor’s true intentions are revealed in act three, her misfortunes intensify. She vows to ruin Drea’s reputation. She threatens Drea’s mom to plant her drugs. She hits Drea with her car, causing her to land in the hospital. To put it bluntly, her bold new look didn’t create an aggressive side to her, it simply suited it: her makeover made her feel even more like herself.

take revenge
Photo credit: Netflix

The film’s ending also subverts the traditional makeover trope that there is an expectation that a character’s style will evolve again after learning an important lesson. mean girlsCady returns to a stripped-down wardrobe of jeans and T-shirts. ignoranceTai makes amends to Cher after adopting a neutral style that feels more loyal to her.

but in the end take revengeAnd while she and Drea make up, they never seem to fully learn their lessons. Aesthetics complement moral ambiguity, and why should they change? Instead, they choose to enjoy their most OTT selves: fashion choices and life. As Eleanor eloquently puts it, “I’m a teenage girl. We’re psychopaths.”

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