Mean Girls (2024) is a musical remake of the 2004 comedy film of the same name, which tells the story of Cady Heron, a homeschooled girl who moves to a public high school and gets involved with a clique of popular girls called the Plastics. The film explores the themes of friendship, betrayal, peer pressure, bullying, and redemption.
A Cautionary Tale
From a Christian perspective, the film can be seen as a cautionary tale of how sin can corrupt the human person and the human community, but also as a hopeful message of how grace can transform the heart and restore the dignity of the human person.
The film shows how Cady, who initially has a pure and innocent nature, is tempted by the allure of popularity and power, and falls into the sin of pride, envy, and deceit. She becomes a mean girl herself, hurting her true friends and betraying her own values. She also contributes to the social injustice that pervades the school, where the Plastics rule over the other students and discriminate them based on their appearance, status, or background.
The film’s portrayal of high school cliques, exemplified by the Plastics, mirrors societal structures where judgment and exclusion are prevalent. As Christians, we are called to follow the Gospel’s teachings of “love your neighbor” and treat others as we would like to be treated.
Staying True To Christian Values
In the scene where Cady Heron is initially welcomed into the Plastics, we witness the allure of popularity and the potential for individuals to compromise their values in the pursuit of social acceptance. This reflects the Gospel’s caution against conforming to the ways of the world, reminding Christians to stay true to their beliefs even in challenging social environments.
The film also shows how Regina, the leader of the Plastics, is a victim of her own sin, as she is insecure, unhappy, and lonely. She uses her beauty, wealth, and influence to manipulate and control others, but she does not find true fulfillment or love. She is also wounded by the betrayal of her boyfriend and her friends, and suffers a physical injury that humbles her.
The film’s exploration of gossip and rumors, particularly through the Burn Book, serves as a poignant reminder of the harm that words can inflict. The Gospel emphasizes the importance of kindness and refraining from judgment. Christians can draw from this to cultivate a culture of respect and understanding, recognizing the inherent dignity of each person.
Breaking Down Stereotypes
The subplot involving the “Mathlete” team highlights the importance of embracing one’s intellectual abilities without succumbing to societal pressure to conform to certain stereotypes. This resonates with the Church’s social teaching, which calls for the promotion of justice and equality, urging Christians to break down stereotypes and support the marginalized.
Mean Girls serves as a reminder that compassion and empathy are essential in fostering a more inclusive and understanding society, aligning with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians can use this film as a conversation starter to explore how they can actively live out their faith by promoting love, kindness, and justice in their interactions with others.
Reflective Questions for Spiritual Growth
- How does the character of Cady Heron’s journey in Mean Girls reflect the challenges that you may face in navigating societal pressures and the temptation to conform to worldly standards? How can you draw inspiration from Cady’s experiences to strengthen your own faith and resist the allure of compromising values for social acceptance?
- In the film, the concept of the Burn Book highlights the destructive power of gossip and rumors. How can you apply the Gospel’s teachings on kindness, forgiveness, and refraining from judgment in your daily life, especially in the age of social media where words can have a lasting impact? How can you actively contribute to creating a culture of respect and understanding within your peer groups?
- The subplot involving the “Mathlete” team emphasizes the importance of embracing individual strengths and interests, even if they don’t align with societal expectations. How can you use your unique talents to make a positive impact in your communities and break down stereotypes that may exist among your peers? How does the Gospel’s call for justice and equality guide you in supporting the marginalized and fostering a more inclusive environment?