Lick the Star
Sofia Coppola’s films have become synonymous with a distinct style that blends introspection, emotional distance, and vivid aesthetic beauty. Often, her work explores themes of isolation, privilege, and self-discovery, frequently through the lens of young women navigating complex emotional landscapes. Influenced by European art-house cinema and the stark, intimate storytelling of her own father, director Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia’s artistic voice has evolved into one of the most distinct and recognizable in contemporary cinema.
Her films, including Lost in Translation (2003), The Virgin Suicides (1999), and Marie Antoinette (2006), are marked by dreamy cinematography, evocative soundtracks, and a languid pace that invites the audience to luxuriate in mood over plot. She is celebrated for her ability to capture the fleeting moments of youth and emotional vulnerability while challenging conventional narratives about women in cinema. Beyond the screen, Coppola’s cultural influence is felt in the way her films have reshaped the portrayal of women’s inner lives, both in terms of complexity and depth, providing a voice for a generation of filmmakers and viewers alike.
In her provocative short film Lick the Star (1998), Sofia Coppola offers a snapshot of adolescent power and cruelty, crafting a haunting portrayal of the fragile hierarchy among middle school girls. With an eerie calmness, Coppola depicts a group of girls who, in their attempt to exert control over their peers, concoct a secret plan that revolves around a bizarre form of retribution. Lick the Star captures the intensity of adolescence—its unspoken rules, its petty vengeance, and its capacity for cruelty—all under the surface of suburban normalcy.
The film’s simplicity—its minimalistic approach to dialogue and its sparse, yet atmospheric, visuals—creates a feeling of unease, as Coppola portrays the emotional isolation that is often the hidden core of young female friendships. Like much of her later work, Lick the Star demonstrates Coppola’s ability to capture the raw, unrefined emotions of youth, imbuing the story with a strange sense of melancholy and unsettling beauty. In just a few short minutes, Coppola lays the groundwork for her future exploration of the complex inner worlds of young women.
