Left-Handed Girl is a 2025 Taiwanese drama written, directed, and produced by Shih-Ching Tsou. She previously co-directed Take Out with Sean Baker, but this time she takes full creative control. The film explores urban survival, family tension, and emotional resilience with poetic intensity and chaotic energy. Baker returns as co-writer, producer, and editor, adding his signature empathy and kinetic style to the project.
The film premiered on May 15, 2025, in the Critics’ Week section of the Cannes Film Festival. It received praise for its raw storytelling and surreal tone. Audiences in the United States will see it in a limited theatrical release on November 14, followed by a global Netflix debut on November 28.
Plot and Themes of Left-Handed Girl
Set in Taipei’s vibrant night market scene, the story follows a single mother and her two daughters. They return from the countryside to run a noodle stand. The narrative explores financial instability, generational trauma, and the surreal beauty hidden in everyday chaos. The title refers to the protagonist’s literal left-handedness and her emotional “otherness” in a society that values conformity.
The film blends screwball comedy with emotional realism. It shifts between absurdity and tenderness, much like Baker’s The Florida Project and Anora. Tsou’s direction highlights the contradictions of modern womanhood—its strength, fragility, and quiet rebellion.
Cast and Performances
Janel Tsai leads the cast with a quietly powerful performance. She shares the screen with Shih-Yuan Ma, Nina Ye, Brando Huang, Akio Chen, and Xin-Yan Chao. Each actor adds depth and nuance to their role. Their chemistry reflects the tension and tenderness of family life under pressure, making the characters feel authentic and emotionally grounded.
Awards and Recognition
Left-Handed Girl is Taiwan’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards. This honor highlights the film’s cultural significance and cinematic ambition. With its Cannes premiere and upcoming Netflix release, the film is set to reach a wide global audience.
Conclusion
Left-Handed Girl invites viewers into a world where beauty and hardship coexist. Laughter erupts in the middle of grief, and survival becomes an act of creativity. For those drawn to stories about motherhood, identity, and poetic realism, this film offers a deeply moving experience.
