"Virgin" is a raw and abrasive no budget drama about an alienated teen who experiences severe growing pains, and her life is shaken up in unexpected ways when she becomes pregnant.

The film successfully weaves together realism and mysticism. It’s anchored by a superb performance by newcomer, Elizabeth Moss as a rebellious, troubled teen.

The film will play at the Gene Siskel Center on Friday (1/7) at 6:00 and 8:15; Saturday (1/8) at 3:15 and 8:00 p.m.; Sunday (1/9) at 3:15; and Monday through Thursday (1/10-13) at 6:00 and 8:15 p.m

Robin Wright Penn, the only recognizable "star" in sight, produced "Virgin." She also provides decent acting support in the role of the girl’s mom. But much of the credit must go to first time director, Deborah Kampmeier. She gets optimal results using limited resources.

The obscure but surprisingly effective indie was nominated for best feature under $500,000, and best actress at the Independent Spirit Awards, which are usually a better barometer of quality and good taste than the Oscars.

The film was shot on 35 millimeter for only $65,000, and it has a grainy amateurish look, which somehow makes it more endearing.

Like an ugly, three-legged dog that can inspire great love in the right owner, "Virgin" is one of the trashiest good-looking films since "Julien Donkey-Boy."

Jessie (played by Moss) is a teen misfit who rebels against her dysfunctional situation by smoking and getting into trouble. Her frequently absent father is more interested in sleeping with his mistress than disciplining his daughter, and Jessie’s mom is weak willed.

Jessie has a crush on a local boy who is engaged to another girl. She comes on to him while she is drunk, and he impregnates her after she passes out. Another boy later tries to take credit for having sex with her, but she doesn’t believe him.

Since she doesn’t remember the incident she believes that it was a virgin birth, and that she is the mother of the new Messiah. This doesn’t sit well with her weak willed mom and her holier-than-thou, born again Christian sister. Predictably, Jessie is ostracized and harassed by the small-minded, puritanical town folk.

"Virgin" is well worth seeking out. It’s much more powerful and heart wrenchingly honest than the similarly themed "Hail Mary," and "Agnes of God," and it makes most of the big Hollywood teen films seem shallow and puerile in comparison.