Lady Bird

Lady Bird

After Jaws we no longer needed shark movies, and after Lady Bird we no longer need quirky-indie-high-school movies. It doesn't mean a 3D sequel or one with Michael Caine wouldn't be cool, it just isn't necessary.

The trend of this specific genre got big with Napoleon Dynamite and Juno, which are both good at representing the high school experience in their own respects, but Lady Bird doesn't feel like a crafted story, it feels like a collection of memories. Everything about it is natural and authentic, which, based on the evidence of her previous work, seems to be something Greta Gerwig can achieve effortlessly. Whether she's acting, writing, or now directing, Gerwig is completely incapable of being disingenuous. I won't go as far as to say the dialogue seems improvised, as it's often very witty and concise, but it's performed so naturally by the actors that it's very easy to believe it's all real. Gerwig also avoided the temptation of casting herself, which is admirable but also a little disappointing, as she'd fit so well in this world she's created.

The performances are all wonderful. Saoirse Ronan is clearly having a ball as this character, which is very refreshing to see, as she's usually in more dour, serious roles. Thanks to Gerwig's writing she goes through a full range of emotions and performance styles, and thanks to Ronan she nails all of it. Laurie Metcalf is deeply familiar as Lady Bird's mother, carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders as it only gets heavier, but still managing to be funny and charming all the way through. Hopefully this film will give her the recognition she deserves. All of the supporting cast, young and old, are both memorable and interesting, and they all get laughs.

Without getting into any spoilers, I'll say the film ends a little abruptly, but it's still satisfying. Other than that my only complaint would be that it made me look back on my own high school experience and realize how safe and uneventful it was, and how I regret not taking more risks and living life more fully. Thanks a lot, movie.

I highly recommend checking this movie out. It's positive and funny, but it's also real to a level that no other quirky-indie-high-school movie has gotten to before. See it in a theater if you can, it's great with a crowd and you'll be supporting independent film which is always good. If your friends want to go watch Justice League ironically, try convincing them to see this instead.