Lady Bird (2017)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Lady Bird (2017) – G. Gerwig

Another movie depicting a teenager coming of age, but with a distinct difference.  In particular, this film is told from the female point-of-view, written and directed by Greta Gerwig (star of Frances Ha, 2012) and starring Saoirse Ronan (who has real talent and carries the film).  There are some elements that are familiar (American high school situations, such as the drama club, prom, applying to college) but they seem an authentic part of life rather than set-pieces for comedy or pathos. The central characters feel well-rounded and less stereotypic than in other films of this type; even small parts feel genuine, such as the older priest and nun who are portrayed humanely and with warmth (and yes, comedy and pathos).  Lady Bird (Saoirse’s character) is clearly having identity issues, as most teenagers do, rebelling against parents (particularly the tough mom played intensely by Laurie Metcalf) or teachers, ditching the nerdy friends of the past for the cool crowd, falling in love with the wrong boys, and dreaming of leaving her hometown (Sacramento) for a cooler place.  Many small moments are nicely observed and it is difficult not to recall similar experiences from one’s own life – except the setting for the film is 2002-2003 (when Gerwig graduated from high school) and not 1984-1985.  But perhaps some human needs, feelings, mistakes, complexities, and resolutions don’t change too rapidly and whether this is Gerwig’s own story or not, the truths in the telling transcend the specificity of time and place.  A funny loving ode to youth (and not forgetting your roots).