TIFF Review: Amoeba is an Unexpected Singaporean Gathering Film

      Coming-of-age stories often lack recent innovation, but Singaporean-American filmmaker Siyou Tan introduces notable specificity and originality in her Singapore-based “girl-gang” narrative. It is uncommon for North American films to depict Singapore's culture or setting; thus, the exploration of these themes in Tan’s debut feature, Amoeba, is particularly engaging, as it delves into Singapore’s cosmopolitan identity and its significance for the youth in the city-state.

      Amoeba follows four 16-year-old girls—Choo (Ranice Tay), Vanessa (Nicole Lee Wen), Sofia (Lim Shi-An), and Gina (Genevieve Tan)—who find themselves at a pivotal moment in their lives. Enrolled in a prestigious Chinese school, equivalent to grade 10, they will transition to junior colleges based on their academic performance, marking crucial turning points for their futures. Tan highlights the distinct Asian experience of school children, especially focusing on the pressures for academic success and the economic disparities among classmates.

      Asian educational settings often bring together students from both modest and affluent backgrounds, allowing them to forge deep friendships in ways that are rarely possible in other life domains. These bonds often persist into adulthood but can be strained by differing economic outcomes and the ability to coordinate leisure activities. Although it is not the central conflict in Amoeba, Sofia's wealth, her distinguished English accent, and her expectations of greater success create tensions with her fellow gang members, who aim to choose a common school to maintain their sisterhood.

      For much of the film, however, Amoeba serves as a hangout movie that explores the experiences of teenage girls as they transition to adulthood. In a refreshing change for this genre, particularly with female directors at the helm, Amoeba completely sidesteps concerns involving boys that would have dominated similar films two decades ago. Instead, the girls focus on school projects, stage a play, engage in discussions about Singapore's cultural and political history, and share light-hearted moments.

      One of the main narrative threads revolves around their formation of a “girl gang,” which, given its tame nature, resembles more of a girls’ club than a typical gangster group. Their activities consist of minor smoking and drinking, visiting city landmarks (with Singapore’s iconic Merlion making an expected appearance), and hanging out in a cave where they perform mock rituals. In contrast to American schools, where gang activities might include serious offenses like shoplifting and drug use, their escapades are relatively innocent.

      Sofia possesses a camcorder (the film is set in a pre-smartphone era), and the girls frequently document their adventures—rebelling against teachers and discussing “gang activities.” The abundant camcorder footage not only enhances the narrative but also plays a significant role in the plot, as its seizure by school authorities places the girls in a precarious situation and amplifies their interpersonal conflicts.

      Additionally, Tan incorporates a supernatural element as Choo feels that a ghost is haunting her room. Discussions about gods and spirits are prevalent within Singaporean culture, complementing the previously mentioned “rituals.” However, this aspect doesn't deepen our understanding of the characters but instead serves as a cultural reference that nods to traditional Asian storytelling techniques.

      Amoeba successfully hinges on its young leads, who perform with the confidence of seasoned actors, showcasing their charisma and individuality. Choo, in particular, stands out as a lively and assertive character, especially in the early scenes where she strives to connect with the other girls upon joining their class. The cast delivers their lines in both English and Chinese, and it’s intriguing to see the fluidity with which they switch languages mid-conversation or even in mid-sentence. Westernized characters typically speak English among themselves but use Chinese when interacting with adults or in formal educational settings.

      Tan aimed to portray her protagonists as modern, intelligent young women, and they do resonate as such, engaging in discussions about the founding of Singapore and its personal implications. The director's reflections on her heritage manifest as the girls confidently critique propaganda, question partial truths, and shape their own national identity. In a poignant Rashomon-style conclusion, each girl presents her unique perspective, leaving the audience with a sense of the diverse viewpoints within a non-monolithic Singapore as the youth take charge of their destinies.

      Amoeba debuted at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.