It’s hard being a teenager. You’re still trying to figure out who you are, what you want and how you fit in the world. It’s even more pressure to be a teenage girl, especially one who is dealt a blow with a special diagnosis. That’s the case in Fitting In, a new film from writer/director Molly McGlynn that opens in limited release on Friday.

The film, which is based on McGlynn’s own experience, takes a look at those struggles from a very intimate and personal perspective. The film centers on 16-year-old Lindy (Maddie Ziegler). She’s an athlete and a maturing young woman who is trying to find her place in the world. She’s got a solid relationship with her mother (Emily Hampshire) and she’s looking to take things to the next level with her boyfriend Adam (D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai).

When Lindy goes for a routine appointment with her doctor, they make a discovery. Turns out Lindy isn’t like other girls. She’s diagnosed with MRKH Syndrome, a reproductive condition that turns her life, her future and her conception of identity on its head. Soon, Lindy goes on a journey of self-discovery which impacts her romantic relationships, her friendships and her relationship with her mother.

 McGlynn called the film her “emotional horror story.” That makes sense because getting a diagnosis like MRKH and all its implications thrown on someone still trying to step from childhood into adulthood is stressful. All that swirl of emotions and all the questions that come along with it come through this story. We go on a journey with Lindy as she asks those questions, comes to grips with what it means for her, and tries to find a way to fit in with her friends and classmates.

None of it is easy, and the film treats the story and the subject with care. I also enjoyed the back-and-forth between Lindy and her mother. Hampshire, who has done comedic roles in projects like Schitt’s Creek, does a nice job in the role. I appreciated the journey for Rita and the journey she goes on trying to find a way to reach and support Lindy.

One weakness in the film is Ziegler. She’s a young actress who is still learning to be a lead. There are a lot of demands in this part from the story and sometimes I didn’t get enough depth of performance to maximize the depth of the story.

However, I appreciated the script from McGlynn and the care she uses putting the film together. This is a film that makes you think and takes a deeper look at a difficult subject, handling it with thought and care.

Fitting In opens in limited release on Friday, February 2.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.