Control and Identity

Growing up, Astrid looked up to her mother. She admired her. Ingrid was a strong, free-spirited woman, and she wanted Astrid to follow in her footsteps. Ingrid controlled Astrid. Being a parent it is easy to influence your child, what they wear and how they act, but after Ingrid poisoned Barry, and was sent to jail, it was harder for her to control Astrid. Ingrid still tried to control Astrid after going from foster home to foster home. Ingrid was a strong character. With each foster home Astrid lives in, she conforms to their styles. Ingrid didn’t like it when Astrid was dressing like Claire, and now she doesn’t like it when Astrid is with Rena. Ingrid had control of herself in the past. She’s been through hard times, with Astrid’s father leaving them when Astrid was a baby. Ingrid had learned to have control over her life, until she fell in love with Barry. When Barry had broken Ingrid’s heart, she lost control. Ingrid wanted revenge, and therefore poisoned Barry. She didn’t think what affect that would have on Astrid’s life.

Starting at 5:40-part 10- In this scene, where Astrid visits her mother in jail, she now lives with a Russian, Rena. Astrid looks and acts completely different than what her mother is used to. She dyed her hair, she’s wearing dark makeup, and different clothes. This scene shows that through each foster home, Astrid finds a new identity.



We have a need for identity, of who we are. Our sense of identity is increased by belonging, esteem of others, and success. Astrid struggles with her identity. When she was living with her mother, Astrid was artistic and learned to express herself. When she first moved in with Starr, Astrid was standoffish. She wasn’t used to Starr’s living style and personality. It took Astrid awhile to adjust. She was baptized as a Christian. Ingrid did not approve of Astrid being a Christian. At this point, Astrid felt that her mom still had control over her, and she took off her cross necklace that Starr had given her. When Astrid moved in with Claire, she was doing better in school and she was pursuing art. Claire did everything she could to ensure Astrid’s comfort. Astrid and Claire become really close, and Astrid becomes resentful of Ingrid and she realizes that Ingrid Astrid finally felt comfortable with Claire. Astrid’s identity changed again when she moved in with a Russian, Rena. She went through a drug/alcohol/gothic phase. Ingrid was shocked to see her daughter like this, but didn’t say anything about the way Astrid looked, finally realizing that Astrid is her own person, not the same little girl who used to admire Ingrid. Through the years, Astrid has conformed to many different styles, but at the end of the movie she finally found her own identity.