Full points to Ginnetta Correli. The Lost Episodes of Beatie Scareli could have fallen flat on its face with what story-wise is well-trod ground: a coming-of-age tale of a teenage girl. But her bent, the life of the misfortunate title-character as told in a series of vignettes that play more like episodes from a warped sitcom, is original, gritty, raw, and heartbreaking. It is growing-up story as an open wound.
The best example of this is when Beatie’s mom, convinced that she is Lucy Ricardo, goes to her daughter’s elementary school, dressed as a nurse (which she is indeed not), to threaten a teacher she believes has seduced Ricky (or rather Beatie’s actual father who she keeps referring to as Ricky). The shocked teacher, who is indeed not sleeping with Ricky, is no match for the sneak attack, and loses control quickly, along with an American flag that is quickly incorporated into Lucy’s rendition of “Babaloo.” Seen through Beatie’s eyes, you cringe with the child, and yet the absurdity can’t help but wrench a smile out of you.
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