With wit and a rebellious edge, Darren Thornton’s charming debut feature proves that even “mad” girls deserve their sweet coming-of-age story. Seána Kerslake is irresistible as the titular firecracker, her explosive personality hiding an endearing mess of virulent insecurities and unavowed desires.

Looking at unhappy lives with patient tenderness, this absorbing drama acknowledges the strength of people who cannot see it for themselves. In finely tuned performances, Jack Reynor and Toni Collette chart a mother and son’s crooked path from despair to transformative hope.