Riding into the Gap: The Fading of Girlhood and the Motorcyclist’s Mirror

The recent trend of coming-of-age films highlights a poignant truth about growing up: it’s a process marked by both subtle and significant changes. For two young friends, Violet and Stella, their summers together are a microcosm of this journey. The film Over/Under review showcases their experiences in a nuanced and tender portrayal that raises questions about the way we perceive adolescence in girls versus boys.

The focus on the tiny incremental changes of puberty is noteworthy. Violet and Stella navigate bodily changes, from flat-ironing their hair to using tampons for the first time, with a familiarity that resonates with any woman who has been through adolescence with a close friend by her side. These moments may seem insignificant in hindsight, but they’re often the most formative experiences of our lives.

As motorcyclists, we observe the world from a unique perspective – one that combines freedom and confinement, exhilaration and vulnerability. The way Violet and Stella ride the waves, literally and metaphorically, is a potent metaphor for the ups and downs of adolescence. Just as they learn to navigate the tides of change, motorcyclists must adapt to shifting road conditions, unpredictable weather, and the constant push-and-pull between control and chaos.

Something peculiarly American about Over/Under review is its idyllic portrayal of summer camp and carefree youth. This film revels in nostalgia for a bygone era where girls’ friendships are untainted by social media or modern adolescence’s pressures. In contrast, motorcyclists often find themselves caught between the freedom of the open road and adult responsibility – much like Violet and Stella as they navigate their own growing pains.

The film also raises questions about our cultural attitudes towards female friendship. We celebrate stories like Over/Under review, which capture the sweetness and fragility of girlhood, while perpetuating the myth of the “best friend” – a trope that can feel suffocatingly simplistic. Motorcyclists might see in these portrayals a skewed reflection of community.

As we watch Violet and Stella grow up, our perceptions change over time. What seems significant when we’re young can become trivialized with age. Conversely, what feels insignificant at the time can take on profound significance in retrospect. This is particularly true for motorcyclists, who often find that quiet moments shared between friends become more meaningful as they mature.

Over/Under review’s portrayal of girlhood is nuanced and tender. As motorcyclists, we might be drawn to the ways Violet and Stella navigate their changing world – not because it’s a direct parallel to our own experiences, but because it offers a glimpse into unseen moments that shape us all.

Beyond these fleeting summers of youth lies the question of what it means to grow up, truly. And how can motorcyclists reconcile their love of freedom and adventure with quiet moments like those shared between Violet and Stella? These are questions that resonate deeply for anyone who has ever felt the thrill of the open road or the comfort of close friendships.

In motorcycle culture, a phrase often bandied about is “the road is where you find yourself.” For Violet and Stella, their journey through adolescence is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and self-discovery. As motorcyclists, we might do well to remember that our own journeys – on and off the road – are marked by similar incremental changes, ones that often feel insignificant in the moment but shape us into who we become.