This Blows
Comedy | 15 min | 2024 | Inspired by True Event
This Blows is a heartfelt, hilarious coming-of-age story that captures the awkward, beautiful reality of growing up. Think of it as a love letter to that wild transition from childhood to adulthood.
Directed by: Talia Smith
Starring: Molly Clark & Riley Vinson
Audio language: English
Subtitles language: English
The Story
As Addie’s babysitter Erika had become accustomed to answering the full range of questions out of left field:
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“Why not just print more money?” Inflation.
“Why was Eve punished if Adam ate the forbidden fruit?” Misogyny.
“What’s a blow job?”...
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An answer Erika was not willing to give for just $20 an hour. This simple question spirals into a frantic, humorous scramble for Erika to come up with a creative, yet chaotic, solution—all set against the backdrop of a small town suburb, an arcade birthday party and Erika’s new hobby of the month Rollerblading. The film explores the awkward, yet hilarious, moments of growing up, where innocence clashes with the adult world. Ultimately, the film is a reflection on the delicate balance of preserving innocence while accepting the inevitable transition into adulthood.
Director's Statement
(Talia Smith)
Previously directed Umama.
"I often find myself reflecting on the profound irony of growing up. The older we get, the more we long for the magic of our childhood. But, I remember as a kid dreaming of the freedom that adulthood promised, eager to escape the confines of school and routine. But now, with the benefit of hindsight (and a fully developed prefrontal cortex), I find myself nostalgic for the simplicity of days filled with English, math, and PE.
To me, Erika and Addie’s story perfectly captures this tug-of-war of youthful eagerness and adult apprehension. Erika clings to the safety of all things familiar by avoiding the future. Meanwhile, for Addie, adulthood couldn’t come quicker. When Erika faces Addie’s question, her instinct is to preserve Addie’s innocence, as most adults would. But as adults, we often miss how our well-intentioned sheltering can leave us unprepared for the realities we all must eventually face.
In many ways, "This BLOWS" feels like a second coming-of-age story—one where we relearn the lessons we were meant to in our youth. Ultimately, no matter how fast or slow we try to make it, growing up happens in its own time. And so, the film serves as a gentle reminder to savor where we are right now. Through Erika & Addie’s journey, we explore the courage to move forward, the delicate balance of protecting innocence, and the true horror of learning what a blow job is."