Bethany Whitmore
GIRL ASLEEP
BETHANY PLAYS 14-YEAR-OLD GRETA DRISCOLL IN THE COMING OF AGE COMEDY/DRAMA GIRL ASLEEP. PLAYED IN CINEMAS AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING THE USA - NOW ON NETFLIX
Nominated Best Actress: Film Critics Circle of Australia Awards 2017
Nominated Best Actress: Australian Film Critics Association Awards 2017
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"Whitmore and Feldman give performances that are nothing short of courageous" Eddie Cockrell Variety 2016
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"..revolving around the 15th birthday party of protagonist Greta (a wonderful Bethany Whitmore, whose default expression is a semi-startled look)" Luke Buckmaster, The Guardian 2016
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​Girl Asleep is Bethany's first full leading role in a feature film. Having lived in Singapore for two years, Bethany returned just in time to self-tape for the role of 14-year-old Greta. A few months later, Bethany auditioned with the filmmakers, Rosemary Myers, and Matthew Whittet, and the role was hers. Filming started in January 2015, with its premiere at the Adelaide Film Festival in October 2015 to rave reviews.
Girl Asleep is about 14-year-old Greta Driscoll (BETHANY) who is turning fifteen and does not want to leave her childhood behind. She feels safe in her world, and she cherishes her childhood as it gives her comfort and security. It’s a coming of age story set in the 70’s, which follows Greta’s journey as she is thrown into a parallel universe, on the night of her surprise 15 birthday party. It is quirky and surreal and an interesting take on the coming of age tale. The filmmakers describe it as a journey into the absurd, scary and beautiful heart of the teenage mind.
Greta lives a world of loserdom; she is very shy, and she makes only one friend at her new school, the dorky red head, Elliot (HARRISON FELDMAN). Greta's life changes when at her birthday party, she is bullied by three beautiful girls, reminiscent of the highly successful film Mean Girls. Confused and upset Greta is transported into a strange dreamlike world which is weirdly erotic, a little bit dangerous and very strange. It is only here that she finds her true inner self, and the strength to fight back and be the person she wants to be.
Girl Asleep is a uniquely Australian take on the coming-of-age story, and Rose Myers and Matthew Whittet have created an incredible journey for the teenage girl's rite of passage to adulthood. It has screened at many prestigious film festivals and has been sold to more than 22 countries including the USA, UK, France. The film has gone on to win:
South Australia Screen Awards
Grand Jury Prize at the Seattle International Film Festival
Future Wave Prize at the Seattle International Film Festival.
The Age Critics Award for best feature film at the Melbourne International Film Festival
CinefestOZ, Australia’s biggest film prize
Nominated for 7 AACTA awards.
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