Princess Cyd

Cyd Loughlin is a high school athlete drifting through a quiet life in South Carolina, living with a father whose depression dims the house as surely as the light through the windows. The summer offers a chance to step outside that routine when her aunt, Miranda Ruth, a best selling novelist, invites her to stay for a few weeks. Away from home, Cyd discovers new possibilities and a first slow burn of love when she falls for a girl in the neighborhood. The days unfold as a gentle test of boundaries and beliefs, with conversations about art, desire, and what it means to grow up. The film uses sunlit porches and late night conversations to track moods shifting under pressure.

Directed by Stephen Cone, Princess Cyd is based on an original screenplay and produced as a tightly focused indie drama. Shot on a micro-budget, the film centers on intimate performances by Jessie Pinnick and a strong supporting cast. Its 2017 release emphasizes quiet, restrained storytelling.

Critics noted the film for its understated honesty, letting characters speak in quiet, precise moments that reveal longing, fear, and tenderness. It explores competing loyalties between family duty and personal autonomy, and the way a summer in the South reshapes identity. The tone stays gentle yet precise, with dialogue that feels natural and every look loaded with meaning.

Within indie circles, Princess Cyd is praised for its humane portrayal of a young woman's awakening and its intimate lens on lesbian romance. The film stands out for a warm non sensational approach to Southern life and female friendship, influencing later small scale dramas.

Awards: It did not receive major award nominations, but it found an audience in festival circuits and among critics who prize intimate storytelling. Its contribution lies in showcasing a quiet Southern setting and a female centered perspective rather than seeking glossy prizes.