(spoiler free)
‘Lady Bird’ is a new coming-of-age film and the directorial debut of actress, Greta Gerwig. She also writes the screenplay which focuses on high school senior, Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) as she decides which college she’ll attend in the upcoming year, manoeuvres the often confusing boyfriend arena and whilst always trying to keep a handle on her complicated relationship with her headstrong mother (Laurie Metcalf). Already nominated for, and winning, several accolades this awards season, does ‘Lady Bird’ deserve the high praise?
It’s certainly a very well rounded drama and an incredibly effective coming-of-age movie. It tells Christine’s story, a story which everyone should be able to relate to in some way. It feels very universal as if it’s been plucked from any number of potential stories but it’s Christine’s everyday life that we get to focus on and it’s a pure delight from start to finish. It’s written with such charm, humour and heart and these elements consistently weave their way through the narrative in what feels like an effortless fashion. We don’t only get insight into Christine’s story but of those she encounters in her final year of high school. Of course the depth of this insight varies between characters but the moments of deviation from Christine’s story were refreshing and gave the film an air of authenticity. The story breezes along at a pleasant pace but maybe goes on a little further than expected. This is no bad thing though, the narrative lets us stay with our main character for more of her journey than we’d maybe anticipated, it disrupts the pace somewhat but more time with Lady Bird was only a good thing.
The film is transported from page to screen by a really super group of young performers. Saoirse Ronan delivers one of her finest performances to date, giving Christine a brilliant likeability and impressively masking any signs of her beautiful Irish accent. Other faces you may recognise from some recent films are the likes of Lucas Hedges (‘Three Billboards) & Timothée Chalamet (‘Call Me By Your Name’) who both continue to excite audiences with their emerging talent, both adding interesting dynamics to Christine’s story thanks to Gerwig’s writing of their characters. Laurie Metcalf is the most notable performer of the more mature cast, although all involved do well. She plays Christine’s mother and conveys what Hedges’ character describes as “warm but she’s also kind of scary” especially well. She has tremendous chemistry with Ronan and the pair create an engaging central relationship which anchors the drama as a whole.
There’s no doubt that Greta Gerwig has accomplished a confident debut here with ‘Lady Bird’. Her writing is filled with inspired comedy, harsh truths and many heartfelt interactions between her characters which are blissful to be a part of. The cast, young & old, present Gerwig’s characters in a thoroughly entertaining and believable way making sure that her simple, everyday kind of story becomes much more memorable and one that you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 8/10
Question: What is your favourite Saoirse Ronan film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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