The screenplay never lets its characters take routine paths and builds with a graceful arc. The denouement is beautifully realized in front of the dingy window in the broom closet that's been deeded to Diana for a locker in the all-male domain. Kusama's direction is sure and strong. Along with her cinematographer Patrick Cady and production designer Stephen Beatrice, a real sense of place is created. Whether on the streets, in homes, at school or the gym, we know we're in a real, urban neighborhood.
Fight scenes are immediate, with some punches coming right at the camera lens.
The unique score by Theodore Shapiro is heavily percussive, often sounding like castanets backing a metronome. Sound by Mary Ellen Porto is sharp, punctuated with thematic bells and buzzers from school halls to ringside.