Molly Manners’ often-charming feature debut “Extra Geography” owes a lot to Wes Anderson’s “Rushmore.” Its two heroines Minna (Galaxie Clear) and Flic (Marni Duggan) have shades of Max Fischer with their obsession with school activities — though they are far more scholarly with their aim of graduating to Oxbridge. Like “Rushmore,” an amateur play is a key part of the plot, and our protagonists develop an intense infatuation with a teacher. There’s even a moment where Flic struts down a hallway in slo-mo that seems like a direct homage to Max’s famous stride. 

Despite its distinctively British flavor, “Extra Geography” can suffer a little bit in comparison to Anderson’s beloved work, but it distinguishes itself through its commitment to feminine strangeness.

Based on a short story by Rose Tremain, with a screenplay by Succession” alum Miriam Battye, “Extra Geography” hones in on the bizarre but utterly recognizable relationship between Minna and Flic, who attend a prestigious girls’ boarding school in the north of England. 

When the film opens Minna and Flic are completely in sync, though you can detect some cracks in their curated portrayal of best friendship where they refuse to wash their knees after a victory on the lacrosse field so their uninterested peers know they are the best. The more traditionally pretty Minna constantly reminds Flic she’s on scholarship, which will make it easier for her to get into Cambridge. Meanwhile Flic waits to announce she’s finished her test until Minna has as well. 

Minna and Flic exist in their own little universe where they are consumed with the notion of being “wordly,” thinking that will give them a leg up when they apply to elite universities. Part of this quest involves finding what they call a “summer project,” which leads them to the film’s twin plots. Their summer efforts are a little more nebulous than, say, learning a new skill. Instead, their aims are existential sorts of betterment. 

They decide to audition for the production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which will also feature boys from the neighboring school. Reading the play, which Flic initially dismisses as poorly written, gives them the idea they have to experience love for the first time. Thinking the target of their affections needs to be randomly selected, they focus their efforts on their geography instructor, Miss Delavigne (Alice Englert), a poorly dressed, awkward woman from New Zealand. 

Both of these pursuits, naturally, breed resentment among the two girls. Flic is overprepared for her audition, but Minna gets a coveted role, and starts to curry favor with the boys. Minna starts to feel her own brand of jealousy when Flic becomes closer to the meek  Miss Delavigne. 

The success of “Extra Geography” rides largely on Clear and Duggan who make a wonderful odd couple pair. While we never learn the backstory of Flic and Minna’s friendship, you can see in their performances how it has evolved. As the comely and upper class Minna, Clear holds herself in a way in which it’s evident she has always been the queen bee. As such, it’s a shock to see her shrink at first in front of a cute guy, her hormones clearly working in ways she doesn’t quite understand. Duggan has a pleasing brashness as the forthright Flic, who is proud of how unusual she is, and leans into her anger as the narrative progresses. 

Maybe it’s just that she uses a Belle and Sebastian song, but there’s a bit of mid-2000s tweeness to Manners’ mannered compositions. “Extra Geography” is at its strongest when it leans into the confusing muck of adolescence these girls are experiencing. Flic and Minna’s sexuality is never clearly defined but there’s a closeness that implies there’s something deeper than just simply friendship as they kiss one another without thought. But while Flic defiantly declares how much she hates boys, Minna starts to act bashfully around the lad playing Oberon to her Titania. 

Less well defined is the character of Miss Delavigne, although she’s wonderfully portrayed by Englert, who retreats into this mousy persona. It’s in part purposeful that this woman remains a mystery because the film is so solidly from Flic and Minna’s perspective, and yet the script doesn’t interrogate how their actions affect her, leading to a pivotal moment that rings hollow. 

“Extra Geography” is most thrilling when it leans into the undercurrent of nastiness that exists just beneath the manicured surface of this environment where properness is highly valued. There was always a caustic quality to Minna and Flic’s demeanor, but true cruelty seeps into their interactions in a way that’s ultimately heartbreaking. 

Although “Extra Geography” starts to frustratingly meander as it nears its conclusion, it refuses to offer the easy resolution that arrives in so many other coming-of-age sagas of its ilk. Instead, it becomes a movie about the disappointment of the friendships that are made in youth and break apart when the parties discover who they are going to be as adults. Though Flic emerges as the more sympathetic party, it’s clear Manners has a tenderness toward both girls. 

The movie opens with a quote from “Midsummer,” Shakespeare’s perhaps most famous comedy. But make no mistake: “Extra Geography” is a tragedy at heart.

Grade: B

“Extra Geography” premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. It is currently seeking U.S. distribution.

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