How can it be wrong if it just feels so right? Kristen Stewart and Alia Shawkat star in a new chaotic, “sit back and relax” comedy, The Wrong Girls. It’s another fun summer flick that equals 99 minutes of pure ridiculousness. Sometimes you don’t need a complex plot; just hallucinogenic sequences, weed evaporating through your screen, and two girls getting mixed up in a government conspiracy.
Frankie (Stewart) and Molly (Shawkat) are two co-dependent, marijuana using roommates who are barely making enough from paycheques to pay rent. Their lives are essentially bong rip to bong rip, with little else in between. One day, after Frankie goes to a party, someone mistakes her for someone else, and in a simple drunken act, their lives spin into turmoil.
The Wrong Girls is a familiar yet fresh piece of cinema. Paying tribute to the classic stoner buddy movie, writer-director Dylan Meyer puts her own twist on it by centring female friendship. First and foremost, The Wrong Girls is a story of love and friendship. It could easily have become a new genre classic, but it goes beyond film’s past, and its heart lies with its protagonists and the people who can forgive and accept us, faults and all. And as they are two stoners with little to no real money, they are going to make mistakes constantly.
Taking us back in time in terms of filmmaking, too, Meyer has created a piece less digital and more “DIY.” It feels refreshing being presented with a film focussed on two stoners where there’s a depth amid the fun, and where grossness is at a minimum. But the narrative is imperfect, and feels as if much more thought was placed into each colour change, lighting choice, and every bit of the visual identity of the film.
That said, adult life is a struggle for so many of us and The Wrong Girls reminds us of just how messed up reality really is. Forget what some films make us think we should want, this one reminds us to fight for what we want no matter what anyone else tells us. It doesn’t need a typical happy ending to be a worthwhile conclusion.
The film follows Frankie and Molly at a time in their lives when each decision they make seems to get worse, and it’s hard to picture anyone else fully embodying the lead roles. Stewart uses wit and finesse to deliver each sarcastic line, and she fully embraces the lazy, unbothered stoner lifestyle. Pair that with Shawkat, who brings lightness and slightly more level-headed reasoning to Molly, and the two bounce perfectly off each other.
A stacked cast of distinct comedy voices supports them along the way. Kate McKinnon is as sarcastic and deadpan as ever with her role as the Doctor, and Seth Rogen and Kumail Nanjiani stop by as cats. Then there’s Tony Hale as a rich aristocrat. That said, their presence almost gives the film the feel of a long-form sketch comedy. Despite that, every note hits. Providing laughs amid the fear and worry of what will happen next to the two “wrong girls.”
Even when life or death is on the line, the film reminds audiences of the most important thing: life is short; live life how you want. And even though this stoner film might take its lead characters through some crazy events, it brings them right back to where they belong and keeps them grounded, too. Together, it makes for a fresh, engaging take on a familiar trope. Be sure to catch it while you can; you’ll be in for one wild ride.
The Wrong Girls is set to release across Canadian cinemas beginning Friday, August 14, 2026.
