Harmony Korine
Spring Breakers

Harmony Korine’s 2012 feature film Spring Breakers is repeatedly cited by Louise Giovanelli as a source of inspiration. The crime thriller’s hedonistic feminism, in particular, can be seen as an influence on Giovanelli’s ongoing interest in depictions of youthfulness, intoxication and ecstasy.

The film follows four friends – Brit, Candy, Cotty and Faith – who have known each other since kindergarten and now share a dowm at college. They are planning a trip to Florida for the semester break, the so-called Spring break. Since their financial means are lacking however, Brit, Candy and Cotty decide to rob a diner in their college town without Faith’s knowledge. During the trip to Florida that follows, they never miss an opportunity to get drunk, throwing numerous parties and consuming alcohol and drugs. However, their excesses eventually lead to consequences: the four friends are caught using drugs and arrested. They have, however, spent all stolen money they have stolen and are unable to pay the bail required for their release. A local criminal called Alien, who has been watching them in the courtroom, steps in to pay their bail and takes them under his wing.

Faith doesn’t feel comfortable in the gangster world and soon goes back home, but Cotty also turns back after being injured. Meanwhile Brit and Candy allow themselves to be drawn deeper and deeper into Alien’s dark business.