Reviews

“Stirring Portrait.” Fan Quarterly

“A provocative documentary that looks into a dark, seldom-seen segment of the modeling industry.” The Gulf Today

“This ex-model, Ashley Arbaugh, is one of the year’s most intriguing doc characters, one I’d love to see get a spin-off reality series where she’s paired up with Tabloid’s Joyce McKenna. Girl Model is the film I keep finding reasons to want to revisit, rewatch and implore friends to see as soon as it’s distributed.” Movies.com

David Redmon and Ashley Sabin’s engrossing documentary provides access to a pitiless niche of the fashion industry, but it’s arguably more fascinating in its depiction of the recruiters than their discoveries.” Hollywood Reporter

“Eerie, visceral horror haunts every scene.” Indiewire (Girl Model @ top of Indiewire TIFF Poll)

“A must-see movie as intriguing as it is disturbing.” Marie Claire

“Superb documentary.” Popmatters

“Girl Model makes you wonder about every beautiful woman who’s ever stared out from a publication, poster, or billboard, looking sophisticated and self-assured. Could the real person behind that image be a hungry, homesick 13-year-old who never got a dime for her work?” Slant Magazine

“A fascinating look at the stark, staring mad world of modelling.” The Times

“Visceral horror that haunts every scene. Girl Model portrays a business defined by inherent corruption.” Toronto Review

“Redmon and Sabin have crafted a revealing and engrossing film. Everyone — particularly young people (both female and male) who aspire to be a model should see it.” Toronto Verve

“A very chilling tale on the loss of childhood to false hopes and dreams.” Triplew.me

“A haunted glimpse into exploited youth.” Variety

“Shows a seedy, unregulated side to the modeling business.” Vive Magazine

Educational Reviews

Notable Video of 2013-American Library Association

Video Librarian 2012 Best Documentary

“This 2013 Notable Videos for Adults selection offers a disturbing look at a dark industry, and viewers’ hearts will go out to Nadya and Madlen, both of whom are sent home owing the agency money.” Booklist

“I highly recommend this film for library collections in school, public and academic libraries.” Educational Media Reviews Online

“This film presents a very ugly look at an industry based on beauty. Appropriate for a wide variety of viewers.” Library Journal

“And the value of Girl Model is that is doesn’t let you forget teens like Nadya, may never let you, actually. Definitely suitable for secondary students and clocking in at an efficient 77 minutes, Girl Model is succinct but hardly breezy. It’s not trying to be.” School Library Journal

“An American modeling scout travels to Siberia to secure models for the Japanese market in this revealing documentary from filmmakers David Redmon and Ashley Sabin. Recommended.” Video Librarian

“Sabin and Redmon make a powerful argument via the juxtaposition of visuals and the creation of an overwhelmingly claustrophobic, at times unctuous, atmosphere.” Visual Studies