Writer-director David Gordon Green obliterates the sophomore slump theory with ALL THE REAL GIRLS, an achingly sincere drama that captures the complexities of first love--and loss--with breathtaking honesty. Paul (Paul Schneider), a small town charmer, has spent his life carousing with his buddies Tip (Shea Whigham), Bo (Maurice Compte), and Bust-Ass (a scene-stealing Danny McBride), in addition to sleeping with every girl in town. But when Tip's virginal younger sister, Noel (Zooey Deschanel), returns from boarding school, Paul's priorities change completely. Discovering love for the first time, Paul spurns his lecherous past and declares himself a new man. No more booze, no more two-timing. But just when he thinks he's found redemption, something happens that shatters him to his core.
Like his celebrated debut, GEORGE WASHINGTON, Green's second film unfolds like a nostalgic dream. Haunting, tender, and beautifully photographed by Tim Orr, ALL THE REAL GIRLS is destined to become a classic in the romantic genre. Its success is due in large part to leads Schneider and Deschanel, who deliver performances that are chilling in their nakedness.
