Eliza Scanlen: Ever Been Nude?

When Jem is reprimanded for allowing the outline of her bra to be visible through her dress during a dance troupe performance in Laurel Parmet's impressive feature debut, 'The Starling Girl,' it marks the beginning of a journey that explores the strict moral codes that restrict every aspect of her life. As seemingly expansive as Jem's physical horizons are, they are also something of a prison, cutting her off from the wider world.

As she bicycles through the glorious Kentucky countryside, Brian Lannin's cinematography captures the lush colors of her rural surroundings, finding the light in the trees that reflects off her crucifix necklace. Jem has always been content to be part of a wider flock and, in the film's early stages, projects an air of serenity - dressed in pastel colors, her hair in loose waves, she fervently prays to 'glorify God in all I do.'

Australian actor Eliza Scanlen, now in her mid-20s, is believable as the 17-year-old Jem, whose life revolves around worship, bible study, and chores. Strong performances by Scanlen and Lewis Pullman are a highlight of the film. This, together with its sensitive approach, is likely to help 'The Starling Girl' gain further festival traction following its premiere in US Competition at Sundance.

Jem, the teenage daughter of devout Christian parents, finds her faith at odds with her burgeoning sexuality when she becomes attracted to a much older pastor. Parmet's film explores the grey areas between blind faith and individual choice, inspired by her time spent with patriarchal religious communities and her own relationship with an older man. The film joins a list of works that have foregrounded similar issues, including 'The Other Lamb,' 'Apostasy,' and 'Women Talking.

Eliza scanlen ever been nude