Twiggy (2024) - 7/10

I had struggled to track this down, so was pleasantly surprised to find it on BBC’s iPlayer. Pleasantly surprised, that’s quite a good summary. Incase you’re not aware, Twiggy is Lesley Hornby. A London girl who became a 60s modelling icon, the original supermodel if you like. There’s no diva arrogance here though. Twiggy is the opposite, not just humble, but genuinely down to earth. It starts as a story of right place right time, centred around the boom of youth culture… She has the look. “It’s all in the eyes” she says. Initially thought to be too small and thin, her work ethic quickly shines through and she grabs each opportunity with both hands. Twiggy is the main narrator, her interviews covered with a dizzying collection of gorgeous archive footage. She’s not the only voice, Joanna Lumley, Rankin, Brooke Sheilds, Dustin Hoffman, Paul and Stella McCartney being more recognisable, but also a ton of influential fashion and media influencers of the day. “She was youthquake personified”. It’s fast paced and fun to watch. From opportunistic managers to clothing lines, breaking into America, worldwide celebrity status, all before turning 18. It’s both exciting and scary, “I did feel out of my depth”. It’s not all positive. Her weight is a big topic. The short hair too. Objectification and sexualisation, it’s not shocking, but it is annoying watching her getting grilled by idiots like Woody Allen… well until she delightfully puts him in his place. Thankfully for every letch, there’s people like David Bowie and Ken Russell, the later being her lead into acting. The hectic schedule doesn’t leave much room for growing up though and that does bring its complications. This doesn’t get too dark, but issues are alluded to, but generally she comes off unscathed, being a genuinely good person, making good choices. “She lives to be alive” Hoffman says and that feels like a fair account. I had no idea she’d had such a varied and successful career. It’s stunning really. A true star. TV, Broadway, movie star, model, mother, designer, singer, with awards and accolades, she still remains humble. This is a celebration of a quite remarkable life, so far. At 75 she doesn’t appear in any hurry to slow down.

7/10