The Essential Gaby Hoffmann

A totally biased, non-exhaustive list of Gaby Hoffmann's must-see work

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Now & Then

New Line Cinema / Via rurikids.tumblr.com

Now & Then (1995) stars a young Gaby in a story about friendship, growing up and all that good, gooey stuff. Told over two timelines and also starring Demi Moore (as future Gaby), Christina Ricci, Thora Birch and Rosie O'Donnell. Has a totally kickass '60s soundtrack that I may or may not own on CD. There's also pudding boobs and a graveyard seance. What more could you want?

Obvious Child

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One of my favorite films of 2014, Obvious Child is a delightful tale of romance and accidental pregnancy. While not the focus of the movie, many of its best moments are between Gaby and star Jenny Slate. Their on-screen friendship feels incredibly honest and tender. A thoughtful, woman-powered movie that's both feminist and funny.

Transparent

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The premise of Transparent is, on its own, alluring and interesting enough to entice viewing, but the inclusion of Gaby as Ali Pfefferman, as well as Jeffrey Tambor and Carrie Brownstein make it a must-see in my opinion. Gaby's Ali is, like many of her roles, incredibly relatable. She's curious, confused, depressed, lost, just a little bit fearless and very much alive. All the acting on the show is on point and the story it has to tell is vital, so don't pass this one up.

All I Wanna Do / Strike! / The Hairy Bird

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Ack, I love this movie. Set in a '60s era all girl boarding school, All I Wanna Do (1998 - alternately titled Strike! or The Hairy Bird) is about a group of girls who aspire to greater heights than getting married and popping out a couple kids. Also stars Kirsten Dunst, Merritt Wever (of Nurse Jackie), Heather Matarazzo (of the Princess Diaries!!!) and Rachael Leigh Cook (of the '90s). I cannot say enough good things about this movie, though it is incredibly difficult to find, do yourself a favor and dig up a copy. If you need any more convincing: features Gaby in a horse riding outfit that will confirm things about your sexuality (also Kirsten Dunst chopping wood, which accomplishes the same).

Girls

HBO / Via paullepaulp.tumblr.com

However you feel about Girls, it's hard to argue that Gaby's performance as Adam's sister Caroline wasn't electric. Both manic and wise, frightening and interesting, Gaby brought a new kind of energy to the show. Caroline presents an element of danger, a real unknown quantity in the otherwise very plush, safe bubble of the Girls universe.

Honorable Mention: Sleepless in Seattle

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Gaby was also great in an episode of the Good Wife.