New Movies: Flat Girls (2025) by Jirassaya Wongsutin: Friendship Tested in a World Apart

Core Summary: A Coming-of-Age in Confined Spaces

Flat Girls (2025), directed by Jirassaya Wongsutin, is a Thai coming-of-age drama that delves into the complex friendship between Jane and Ann, two teenage daughters of police officers residing in the same crowded police flat complex in Bangkok. Despite their vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds – Jane from a more comfortable upbringing, Ann facing poverty and familial burdens – their bond has always been described as unshakable. However, their relationship is intensely tested by the arrival of a young policeman and the harsh realities of growing up, forcing both girls to confront their evolving identities, the meaning of love, and the challenges of adulthood amidst the stark social hierarchies of their confined world. The film is noted for its exploration of queer/sapphic themes and socioeconomic disparities.

Summary Short: Jirassaya Wongsutin's Flat Girls (2025) is a Thai coming-of-age drama about two teenage friends from different socioeconomic backgrounds living in a police flat complex whose bond is tested by love, growth, and the harsh realities of their world, with underlying queer themes.

Jirassaya Wongsutin's Flat Girls (2025) is a Thai coming-of-age drama centered on two teenage daughters of police officers, Jane and Ann, whose close friendship in a shared police flat complex is challenged by love, maturity, and their contrasting socioeconomic realities, exploring subtle queer undertones.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32362494/

Link Review: https://www.filmink.com.au/reviews/flat-girls/

About movie: https://www.thefilmcatalogue.com/films/flat-girls

Link to watch: Netflix (India, Israel, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand), https://picl.nl/films/flat-girls (Netherlands)

Detailed Summary: Love, Class, and Unspoken Feelings

Flat Girls promises a poignant and intricate portrayal of adolescent life, marked by deep personal struggles and societal observations.

• Central Friendship: The narrative revolves around Jane (Kirana Pipityakorn) and Ann (Fatima Dechawaleekul), two inseparable teenagers. Their bond is the emotional core, tested by external pressures and internal confusion.

• Socioeconomic Divide: A crucial element of the film is the stark contrast in their backgrounds. While both live in the same police flat complex, Ann faces significant poverty and family responsibilities (like a mother's gambling habits), constantly worried about money and survival. Jane, though not facing economic hardship, experiences her own "quiet suffering" related to identity. This highlights how socio-economic class impacts dreams, opportunities, and even the perception of love.

• Coming-of-Age Struggles: The film explores typical teenage dilemmas:

  • Identity and Self-Discovery: Jane, in particular, struggles with her sexual identity and the distinction between romantic and platonic love. The narrative subtly suggests Jane's deeper feelings for Ann, even as she tries to understand them (e.g., Jane's jealousy over Ann and Tong, her admiration of Ann's beauty).

  • Dreams vs. Reality: Ann's character embodies the crushing weight of responsibility, forcing her to consider giving up personal dreams for her family's survival.

• The Catalyst: Tong: The arrival of a young policeman, Tong (Pakorn Chatborirak), serves as a catalyst that further tests Jane and Ann's friendship. Misunderstandings arise, particularly Jane's jealousy and potential misinterpretation of Ann's interactions with Tong, who is caring and helpful to Ann, but not romantically involved. Tong's character provides an external male presence that highlights the internal dynamics between the two girls.

• Queer/Sapphic Undertones: Reviews strongly suggest a sapphic relationship between Jane and Ann, described as "queer, sapphic coming-of-age." The film hints at Ann's romantic love for Jane and Jane's confused but deep caring for Ann. Scenes like Jane admiring Ann's beauty, her concern for Ann's future, and "the ring scene" are cited as evidence of Jane's feelings going "beyond friendship."

• Subtle Storytelling: The film is noted for its "gentle slice-of-life storytelling" and its refusal to be "straightforward." It leaves room for interpretation, relying on unspoken emotions and subtle details to convey complex feelings and relationships, reflecting how "misunderstandings and assumptions easily occur" in real life when feelings are kept unsaid.

• Setting as Character: The "inner-city apartment complex that houses the families of local police officers" is more than just a setting; it's a "microcosm of the social hierarchy" and a backdrop for their confined dreams and realities.

• Bittersweet Tone: The overall tone is described as "bittersweet," blending moments of "playful spirit of teenage life" with the "harshness of their circumstances," leading to a "heart-wrenching" yet "realistic" portrayal.

Director's Vision: Jirassaya Wongsutin's Nuanced Humanism

Jirassaya Wongsutin's directorial vision for Flat Girls is centered on a nuanced and humanistic portrayal of adolescence, specifically through the lens of social class and unspoken emotions.

• Authentic Human Connection: Wongsutin aims to depict "real people" and their struggles, focusing on the "complexity of life, people, the uncertainty of adolescence." Her vision prioritizes emotional authenticity and the genuine warmth and resilience found amidst pain and hardship.

• Subtlety in Storytelling: The director consciously avoids overt exposition, preferring to "leave room for you to think, interpret and judge for yourself." This aligns with her desire to show that "it may not always be what it seems" and that "when feelings are kept and words are left unsaid... misunderstandings and assumptions easily occur," mirroring real life.

• Exploring Socioeconomic Impact: Wongsutin's vision includes a keen eye on the societal aspects of growing up, particularly how "social class and opportunity differences" profoundly shape a young person's "self-image, identity, love, and dreams."

• Visualizing Internal Worlds: While not explicitly stated, the sensitive portrayal of Jane's confusion about her sexual identity and Ann's silent suffering suggests a directorial interest in visualizing complex internal emotional states through subtle performances and visual cues.

• "Coming-of-Age" with a Social Conscience: Wongsutin's approach elevates the coming-of-age genre by grounding it in specific social realities (police flats, poverty, unjust police system) while maintaining a focus on universal themes of love and friendship.

Themes: Socioeconomic Disparity, Coming-of-Age, Friendship and Love (including Sapphic Love), Identity and Self-Discovery, The Weight of Responsibility, Unspoken Emotions, Social Hierarchy

• Socioeconomic Disparity: The central theme, exploring how different financial backgrounds create vast differences in opportunity, dreams, and even the perception of love.

• Coming-of-Age: The universal journey of teenagers navigating love, friendship, disappointment, and growth.

• Friendship and Love (including Sapphic Love): The core emotional bond between Jane and Ann, its unshakable nature, and its challenging evolution into potentially romantic feelings, with strong queer/sapphic undertones.

• Identity and Self-Discovery: Jane's personal struggle with her sexual identity and understanding her feelings for Ann.

• The Weight of Responsibility: Ann's character embodies the heavy burdens placed on young individuals due to family circumstances.

• Unspoken Emotions: The film's subtle storytelling emphasizes the impact of unexpressed feelings and misunderstandings.

• Social Hierarchy: The police flat complex serves as a microcosm illustrating the societal layers dictated by status and opportunity.

Key Success Factors: Authentic Performances, Nuanced Storytelling, and Timely Themes

• Authentic Portrayals: The lead performances, particularly Fatima Dechawaleekul as Ann and Kirana Pipityakorn as Jane, are praised for their realism and emotional depth.

• Subtle & Thought-Provoking Narrative: The film's willingness to explore complex themes through nuanced storytelling rather than overt exposition appeals to discerning audiences.

• Queer/Sapphic Representation: The sensitive portrayal of a developing sapphic relationship within a realistic coming-of-age context will resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences and allies.

• Socioeconomic Relevance: Its focus on class disparities and their impact on young lives provides a timely and universally understood social commentary.

• Festival Appeal: Its artistic merits, strong performances, and thematic depth make it suitable for film festival circuits.

Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway

Jirassaya Wongsutin's Flat Girls (2025) is a Thai coming-of-age drama commended for its authentic performances and nuanced portrayal of a deep friendship between two teenage girls from differing socioeconomic backgrounds, exploring identity, love (including sapphic undertones), and the harsh realities of growing up in a complex world.

Awards & Nominations, Emerging on the Festival and Independent Scene

Summary: As a recent feature debut, "Flat Girls" has begun its journey on the festival circuit, gaining initial recognition for its storytelling and direction.

• Osaka Asian Film Festival 2025:

  • Official Selection / Japan Premiere. Its inclusion in a prominent Asian film festival highlights early critical interest and recognition of its artistic merit.

• No Major Awards or Nominations Widely Reported Yet:

  • While it has screened at festivals and received some initial reviews, "Flat Girls" is still in its early release phase. Major international awards or nominations have not yet been widely reported. Director Jirassaya Wongsutin has a history of winning awards for her short films, suggesting potential for future accolades for her feature debut.

Critics Reception, A Subtle and Empathetic Coming-of-Age Tale

Summary: Critics largely praised "Flat Girls" as a quiet, empathetic, and subtly observed coming-of-age drama, commending its realistic portrayal of adolescent friendship, class divides, and unspoken desires, though some noted a slow pace.

• The Reel Bits (April 29, 2025):

  • Gave the film 3.5/5. Described it as "quiet and empathetic," capturing adolescent friendship and class divides with "subtlety and care." Praised Wongsutin for her "deft, empathetic hand for intimate storytelling," especially her ability to explore the nuanced bond between the two leads. While acknowledging a slower pace, it commended the compelling performances and the realistic portrayal of yearning for escape.

• Abstract AF! (June 17, 2025):

  • Characterized the film as "tender, and slightly tangled," filled with "relatable realism about the complexities of teen love and everyday struggles." It praised the portrayal of the police quarters as an "oppressive character in itself." The review highlighted Fatima Dechawaleekul as a stand-out star and noted the film's open-ended conclusion, leaving events open to interpretation. It found some late-game plot points "unnecessary."

• MovieXclusive.com (March 20, 2025):

  • Described it as a coming-of-age story of two teenage girls whose friendship is tested from within and without, including feelings for each other and a male officer, and financial tensions. It praised Wongsutin's direction for coaxing "genuine and heartfelt turns" from the newcomers and the strong "mise-en-scene" that brought the police flat community to life. However, it felt the plotting rambled and it was "never clear what we are supposed to take away from it all."

• MyDramaList (User Review, with detailed plot analysis):

  • This user review, written from a critical perspective, highlighted the film as a "queer, sapphic coming-of-age/socioeconomic story that's complex, heart-wrenching, and realistic." It praised the cinematography, acting, and locations, noting how it reflects the complexities of life, self-image, identity, love, dreams, and class differences. It particularly appreciated the subtle exploration of Jane's developing feelings and Ann's hidden struggles, though some narrative ambiguities were pointed out.

• Overall Critics' Summary:

  • "Flat Girls" received generally positive critical reception, particularly for its empathetic and subtle portrayal of adolescent friendship, class differences, and burgeoning sexuality within a specific social environment. Critics lauded Jirassaya Wongsutin's sensitive direction and ability to draw nuanced performances from her lead actresses. While some noted a slower pace or occasional narrative ambiguities, the film was widely appreciated for its realistic depiction of growing up, its strong mise-en-scene, and its willingness to explore complex emotional landscapes without resorting to easy conclusions.

Reviews (Audience), A Relatable Glimpse into Youth and Social Realities

Summary: Initial audience reactions, particularly from those who appreciate nuanced character studies and social commentary, indicate that "Flat Girls" resonates with its realistic themes of growing up, friendship, and socioeconomic challenges, despite a potentially slow pace or ambiguous ending for some.

• Reddit (r/Thailand & r/GirlsLove communities - various comments since February 2025):

  • Audience members praised the film for making them "feel the innocence of youth and how adult problems start to stack up, too early in life for some." Discussions often centered on the complex relationship between Jane and Ann, interpreting subtle queer undertones and misunderstandings. Viewers appreciated the realistic portrayal of poverty, chasing dreams, and the weight of family responsibility. Some found the ending "dry" or confusing, while others saw its open-ended nature as a strength, reflecting life's uncertainties. The film's authentic portrayal of Thai police flat life and social classes was also noted as relatable.

• Netflix User Comments (Implied from discussions):

  • User discussions indicate the film's appeal to those interested in "socioeconomic differences, privilege and feeling 'trapped' in their circumstances." While some found the pacing "sluggish" or the plot "lose its way half way," others praised it as a "beautiful, well made and directed movie" suitable for an art-house audience. The nuanced portrayal of characters' internal struggles and uncommunicated feelings resonated with many.

• Overall Audience Summary:

  • Audience reception for "Flat Girls" is largely positive among those who appreciate character-driven dramas and social realism. Viewers connect with its authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles, friendship dynamics, and the impact of socioeconomic disparities. While some found its pacing slow or its ending ambiguous, many appreciated its subtlety, emotional depth, and its unique take on a coming-of-age story that avoids neat conclusions. The film particularly resonated with viewers interested in queer themes and realistic depictions of everyday life in Thailand.

Box Office: Limited International Release (Developing)

Flat Girls has begun a limited international theatrical release in early 2025.

• Thailand Release: February 6, 2025 (Limited) - Box office reported as $0 (likely due to very limited or non-reporting screens).

• Australia Release: May 1, 2025 (Limited) - Box office reported as $2,581.

• New Zealand Release: May 1, 2025 (Limited) - Box office reported as $181.

• Worldwide Total (as of May 2025): $2,762.

Overall Summary of Box Office: Flat Girls has had very limited international theatrical releases in early 2025, generating a modest worldwide total of $2,762 as of May 2025. As an independent Thai drama, it is expected to have a limited theatrical run, with its primary impact likely through film festivals and potential VOD/streaming releases.

Production Summary: Thai Coming-of-Age Drama

Flat Girls (2025), original Thai title แฟลตเกิร์ล ชั้นห่างระหว่าง เ ร า (meaning something like "Flat Girl: The Distance Between Us"), is a drama film with a runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes (130 minutes). It is a Thai production, directed by Jirassaya Wongsutin. The screenplay is an original. The film stars Kirana Pipityakorn (as Jane), Fatima Dechawaleekul (as Ann), and Pakorn Chatborirak (as Tong). Producers include Jira "Keng" Maligool and Vanridee "One" Pongsittisak. The film's language is Thai. It is rated PG.

Production Companies: Vertical Films

• Vertical Films is listed as a production company for Flat Girls. The film is also noted to be from "finger-on-the-pulse Thai producers Jira “Keng” Maligool and Vanridee “One” Pongsittisak," indicating a collaboration or affiliation with their previous successful works.

Distribution Companies: China Lion Film Distribution (Australia/NZ - Limited)

• China Lion Film Distribution handled the limited theatrical distribution in Australia and New Zealand. Broader distribution is not yet widely announced.

Theatrical Release: February 6, 2025 (Thailand - Limited), May 1, 2025 (Australia/NZ - Limited)

• Thailand: February 6, 2025 (Limited)

• Australia & New Zealand: May 1, 2025 (Limited)

• Film Festival Screenings: Includes Inner West Film Fest 2025 (Opening Film).

Why to Recommend this Movie: For a Deeply Human and Relevant Story

• Fans of Authentic Coming-of-Age Dramas: Recommend to viewers who appreciate realistic and emotionally nuanced stories about adolescence, particularly those exploring complex friendships and self-discovery.

• Audiences Interested in Socioeconomic Themes: Ideal for those who enjoy films that thoughtfully examine the impact of class disparities on individual lives and relationships.

• Seeking LGBTQ+ Representation: For viewers looking for subtle and sensitive portrayals of queer/sapphic relationships within a dramatic context.

• Supporters of International (Thai) Cinema: Recommend to individuals interested in high-quality contemporary Thai filmmaking that offers unique cultural insights and universal human stories.

Why to Watch Movie: To Witness a Heartfelt Exploration of Friendship and Identity

• Experience Powerful Performances: See Kirana Pipityakorn and Fatima Dechawaleekul deliver authentic and moving portrayals of teenage friendship and struggle.

• Engage with Thought-Provoking Themes: Reflect on how socioeconomic differences shape dreams, love, and identity, and the complexities of unspoken emotions.

• Appreciate Subtle Storytelling: Enjoy a film that allows for interpretation and relies on nuanced character interactions and visual cues rather than overt exposition.

• Connect with a Relatable Human Story: Despite the specific setting, the film's exploration of friendship, love, and growing pains is universally understandable and deeply moving.

Movie Trend: Asian Coming-of-Age Dramas and Subtle LGBTQ+ Narratives

Flat Girls strongly aligns with the growing trend of thought-provoking Asian coming-of-age dramas that delve into social issues and personal identity with a nuanced approach. It also fits into the emerging trend of subtle LGBTQ+ narratives within mainstream or art-house cinema, where queer relationships are explored with realism and emotional depth, often through unspoken feelings and complex character dynamics, rather than overt declarations.

Big Social Trend: Youth Mental Health and Socioeconomic Pressure

The film directly taps into the significant social trend of youth mental health and the immense pressure placed on young individuals by socioeconomic circumstances. Ann's constant anxiety about money and survival, contrasted with Jane's "quiet suffering" related to identity amidst relative comfort, highlights the diverse forms of stress faced by youth today. It implicitly comments on the impact of social inequality on mental well-being and life choices, a pressing concern globally.

Final Conclusions: A Poignant and Socially Aware Coming-of-Age Gem

Flat Girls emerges as a poignant and socially aware coming-of-age gem, masterfully directed by Jirassaya Wongsutin. This Thai drama meticulously charts the intricate friendship between two teenage girls, Jane and Ann, whose bond is profoundly shaped by their disparate socioeconomic realities within a police flat complex. With its authentic performances, particularly from Kirana Pipityakorn and Fatima Dechawaleekul, the film sensitively navigates universal themes of identity, love (including subtle sapphic undertones), and the crushing weight of responsibility. It stands as a deeply human and thought-provoking cinematic experience, offering a nuanced exploration of social hierarchy and the unspoken emotions that define adolescent journeys, resonating strongly with audiences seeking emotionally rich and relevant storytelling.

Recommendations for Film Makers: The Power of Nuance and Authenticity

• Embrace Subtlety in Emotional Storytelling: Flat Girls excels at conveying deep emotions and complex relationships through unspoken words and nuanced performances. Filmmakers should recognize the power of subtlety over overt exposition to engage an audience's empathy and intelligence, allowing viewers to infer feelings and motivations, leading to a more profound and lasting emotional impact.

• Ground Universal Themes in Specificity: While exploring universal coming-of-age themes, Flat Girls is deeply rooted in the specific reality of a Thai police flat complex and socioeconomic disparity. Filmmakers should strive to anchor their universal stories in authentic, specific cultural and social contexts. This specificity enhances realism, adds unique flavor, and often makes the universal themes resonate more powerfully.

• Champion Diverse and Underrepresented Narratives: The film's sensitive portrayal of a queer/sapphic friendship within a realistic setting offers valuable representation. Filmmakers should actively seek to tell stories that showcase diverse experiences and perspectives, including those from marginalized communities or underrepresented relationships. Authentic representation enriches cinema and connects with broader audiences.

• Prioritize Performance-Driven Directing: The strong, realistic performances in Flat Girls are key to its success. Filmmakers should focus on collaborating closely with their actors to cultivate genuine, raw, and unforced performances. This involves creating a safe environment for exploration and allowing actors the space to embody their characters' complexities, especially in character-driven dramas.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Investing in Authentic Global Voices

• Invest in High-Quality Independent International Dramas: Flat Girls demonstrates the critical and emotional success achievable by independent, non-English language dramas. The industry should increase its investment in high-quality, character-driven international films that offer unique cultural insights and resonate with universal human experiences, moving beyond a sole focus on large-scale blockbusters.

• Support Auteur-Driven Coming-of-Age Narratives: Jirassaya Wongsutin's distinct vision for Flat Girls elevates the coming-of-age genre. The industry should identify and nurture directors with strong, artistic voices who can bring fresh perspectives to familiar genres, allowing them the creative freedom to explore complex themes and push narrative boundaries.

• Recognize the Growing Market for Subtle LGBTQ+ Content: The positive reception of Flat Girls' sapphic undertones highlights a significant audience. The industry should proactively acquire and distribute films that sensitively and authentically portray LGBTQ+ relationships and identities, understanding that these narratives resonate deeply with a diverse and engaged global audience.

• Facilitate Global Festival to Distribution Pipelines: Films like Flat Girls gain initial traction at festivals. The industry should strengthen mechanisms to bridge festival recognition with broader distribution opportunities, particularly for independent and international films, ensuring that critically acclaimed works reach wider audiences through targeted theatrical, VOD, and streaming releases.

"Flat Girls (2025)" is a Thai drama directed by Jirassaya Wongsutin, her feature-length debut. It had its theatrical release in some regions like Australia on May 1, 2025, and a Netflix release in June 2025. It also screened at the Osaka Asian Film Festival in March 2025 and is a nominee for the 2025 NYAFF Uncaged Award.

Flat Girls (2025) by Jirassaya Wongsutin

Awards & Nominations, Emerging on the Festival and Independent Scene

Summary: As a recent feature debut, "Flat Girls" has begun its journey on the festival circuit, gaining initial recognition for its storytelling and direction, including an Uncaged Award nomination at NYAFF.

• Osaka Asian Film Festival 2025:

  • Official Selection / Japan Premiere. Its inclusion in a prominent Asian film festival highlights early critical interest and recognition of its artistic merit.

• New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) 2025:

  • Nominee for the Uncaged Award. This nomination signifies recognition for its "bold originality, genre-bending vision, and outstanding artistry" within the Asian cinema landscape.

• No Major Awards or Nominations Widely Reported Yet:

  • While it has screened at festivals and received some initial reviews, "Flat Girls" is still in its early release phase. Major international awards or nominations have not yet been widely reported. Director Jirassaya Wongsutin has a history of winning awards for her short films, suggesting potential for future accolades for her feature debut.

Critics Reception, A Subtle and Empathetic Coming-of-Age Tale

Summary: Critics largely praised "Flat Girls" as a quiet, empathetic, and subtly observed coming-of-age drama, commending its realistic portrayal of adolescent friendship, class divides, and unspoken desires, though some noted a slow pace and narrative ambiguities.

• The Reel Bits (April 29, 2025):

  • Gave the film 3.5/5. Described it as "quiet and empathetic," capturing adolescent friendship and class divides with "subtlety and care." Praised Wongsutin for her "deft, empathetic hand for intimate storytelling," especially her ability to explore the nuanced bond between the two leads. While acknowledging a slower pace, it commended the compelling performances and the realistic portrayal of yearning for escape.

• Abstract AF! (June 17, 2025):

  • Characterized the film as "tender, and slightly tangled," filled with "relatable realism about the complexities of teen love and everyday struggles." It praised the portrayal of the police quarters as an "oppressive character in itself." The review highlighted Fatima Dechawaleekul as a stand-out star and noted the film's open-ended conclusion, leaving events open to interpretation. It found some late-game plot points "unnecessary."

• MovieXclusive.com (March 20, 2025):

  • Described it as a coming-of-age story of two teenage girls whose friendship is tested from within and without, including feelings for each other and a male officer, and financial tensions. It praised Wongsutin's direction for coaxing "genuine and heartfelt turns" from the newcomers and the strong "mise-en-scene" that brought the police flat community to life. However, it felt the plotting rambled and it was "never clear what we are supposed to take away from it all."

• MyDramaList (User Review, with detailed plot analysis):

  • This user review, written from a critical perspective, highlighted the film as a "queer, sapphic coming-of-age/socioeconomic story that's complex, heart-wrenching, and realistic." It praised the cinematography, acting, and locations, noting how it reflects the complexities of life, self-image, identity, love, dreams, and class differences. It particularly appreciated the subtle exploration of Jane's developing feelings and Ann's hidden struggles, though some narrative ambiguities were pointed out.

• FilmInk (April 9, 2025):

  • Rated the film 7.7/10 (Tender). Emphasized that it "subtly subverts the genre's many clichés (even its queer ones)." Praised the "undeniably sweet" chemistry between Pipityakorn and Dechawaleekul, with the latter's "subtle body language" stealing the limelight. Noted that while Ann and Jane's stories breathe, some minor character moments felt rushed.

• Overall Critics' Summary:

  • "Flat Girls" received generally positive critical reception, particularly for its empathetic and subtle portrayal of adolescent friendship, class differences, and burgeoning sexuality within a specific social environment. Critics lauded Jirassaya Wongsutin's sensitive direction and ability to draw nuanced performances from her lead actresses. While some noted a slower pace or occasional narrative ambiguities, the film was widely appreciated for its realistic depiction of growing up, its strong mise-en-scene, and its willingness to explore complex emotional landscapes without resorting to easy conclusions.

Reviews (Audience), A Relatable Glimpse into Youth and Social Realities

Summary: Initial audience reactions, particularly from those who appreciate nuanced character studies and social commentary, indicate that "Flat Girls" resonates with its realistic themes of growing up, friendship, and socioeconomic challenges, despite a potentially slow pace or ambiguous ending for some.

• Reddit (r/Thailand & r/GirlsLove communities - various comments since February 2025):

  • Audience members praised the film for making them "feel the innocence of youth and how adult problems start to stack up, too early in life for some." Discussions often centered on the complex relationship between Jane and Ann, interpreting subtle queer undertones and misunderstandings. Viewers appreciated the realistic portrayal of poverty, chasing dreams, and the weight of family responsibility. Some found the ending "dry" or confusing, while others saw its open-ended nature as a strength, reflecting life's uncertainties. The film's authentic portrayal of Thai police flat life and social classes was also noted as relatable.

• Netflix User Comments (Implied from discussions):

  • User discussions indicate the film's appeal to those interested in "socioeconomic differences, privilege and feeling 'trapped' in their circumstances." While some found the pacing "sluggish" or the plot "lose its way half way," others praised it as a "beautiful, well made and directed movie" suitable for an art-house audience. The nuanced portrayal of characters' internal struggles and uncommunicated feelings resonated with many.

• MyDramaList (User Reviews):

  • Numerous user reviews reflect a generally positive reception, with detailed analyses praising the acting, cinematography, and realistic themes. Users frequently highlighted the film's ability to explore complex topics like social class, identity, and unspoken feelings with depth and authenticity.

• Overall Audience Summary:

  • Audience reception for "Flat Girls" is largely positive among those who appreciate character-driven dramas and social realism. Viewers connect with its authentic portrayal of adolescent struggles, friendship dynamics, and the impact of socioeconomic disparities. While some found its pacing slow or its ending ambiguous, many appreciated its subtlety, emotional depth, and its unique take on a coming-of-age story that avoids neat conclusions. The film particularly resonated with viewers interested in queer themes and realistic depictions of everyday life in Thailand.

Final Verdict: A Tender and Resonant Debut on Adolescence and Aspiration

Jirassaya Wongsutin's Flat Girls (2025) is a compelling Thai drama that marks her feature directorial debut, showcasing her established talent for intimate storytelling. Set within the close-knit community of a police flat complex, the film sensitively explores the complex bond between two high-school girls, Jane and Ann, as they navigate love, friendship, budding desires, and the harsh realities of differing financial circumstances and uncertain futures. Released in various territories throughout 2025, including a Netflix release and festival screenings, "Flat Girls" has garnered positive critical reception for its empathetic and subtle portrayal of adolescence, its authentic depiction of class divides, and its nuanced character studies, even earning an Uncaged Award nomination at NYAFF. Critics lauded Wongsutin's direction for its realistic and contemplative approach, while audiences found its themes relatable and emotionally resonant, appreciating its quiet intensity and avoidance of easy resolutions. "Flat Girls" is a significant new voice in Thai cinema, offering a poignant and thought-provoking look at the challenges of growing up, the pursuit of dreams, and the enduring power of connection amidst life's complexities.