Tomboy | 2020 SXSW Film Review

Four badass ladies marching to the beat of their own drums – this is Tomboy.

The documentary spans over a five year period, and focuses on each of these individual drummers who work in an industry dominated by males. They each have their own method and skillset but collectively, they encompass sixty years taking music by storm. 

Weaving between the four women, the film dissects their career, their passion, their wins, and their struggles. Bobbye Hall is a percussionist who spent the majority of her professional career behind the other faces in the 60s and 70s. She would use congas and bongos and eventually went on tour with Bob Dylan. Chase Noelle, the second female, writes and drums for rock band “Boytoy” and has been playing music since she was a youth. Her story was inspiring from that perspective, but it also seemed like the one the film focused on the least. 

The real stand outs in the documentary come from Bo-Pah Sledge and Samantha Moloney. The two of them have so much charisma, so much story to tell, and a unique edge to it. Bo-Pah is this crazy energetic little girl with a beautiful fro that moves majestically with every motion. Although she is in a band among her fellow sisters, she is most certainly one to stand out in a crowd. Seeing her progression and growth as she gets older and stronger as a musician is a reminder of why it’s worth it to keep going. 

Samantha’s story is the one that takes the most screen-time and dedication, replaying footage from her touring days, and really solidifies what can happen with persistence. After playing with Hole for two years at age 22, Samantha took a shot and auditioned to fill in for drummer Randy Castillo. Samantha’s biggest dream was to play with Mötley Crüe, and that dream eventually came true for her. Signs held up in the crowd with her name on it, people cheering her on, and even Vince Neil stoking the fire at live shows about her – everything about this something out of a fictional movie. It was powerful. 

But that’s where the film peaks, unfortunately. Director Lindsay Lindenbaum had a great initial vision for the film, showcasing these rising female musicians who took hold of an industry dominated by men. The pacing and energy fell when structure of storytelling became unclear and unfocused. All of the backstory and struggle came after the height of their successes, which was also early on in the film.

It became confusing what the messaging was supposed to be and lacked focus on the theme behind the synopsis; what did these drummers face while working in an industry that’s been mostly men? How did that impact the way they worked or their experience? These questions felt a bit unanswered and with momentum lost by the end, the audience will lose the interest in seeking the answers. 

Tomboy has a desirable story but ultimately lost its rhythm.