Review of Lady Bird (2017) by Reuben M — 05 Nov 2018

Yet another reminder, if any is really needed, that the best films tend to start with the best writing. The script for LADY BIRD is full of great dialogue and moments of surprising little character turns. The performers have been given a lot to work with and they take full advantage, almost without exception.

There is really not much story..."Lady Bird" is a high school senior (Saoirse Ronan) who is just generally rebellious. She's trying out different forms of rebelling or pushing back on norms because a) that's what teens often do, or feel they should do, b) she's smart and restless & c) she blames others for her own problems with rare moments of inward reflection (very believable). Lady Bird dreams of going to a big name East Coast college and getting out of Sacramento, a town she finds so dull that she's practically convinced IT is the reason for her malaise. That and the fact that her mother (Laurie Metcalf) is holding her back, doesn't love her and doesn't like her. In short, she's a favorite film type...the smart and smart-mouthed teen who needs to go on a journey of self discovery. Heck, Haillee Steinfeld just did a great job of this with EDGE OF SEVENTEEN. There is, arguably, no new ground covered in LADY BIRD. Yet what makes it so very enjoyable are the very specific, pointed and sharply observed moments that come one after another. Very few scenes are wasted. No significant character doesn't get to show both their best sides and their most ugly sides. Adults and teens alike. Everyone is confused, perplexed and angry at life to some degree. All are living with some form of disappointment. The film is sharply observed and utterly convincing.

Because the script (by Greta Gerwig) is so sharp, and director Greta Gerwig stays out of her own way by keeping things simple and focused on her performers...the actors really get to shine. Everyone is big and well-thought out, but never over-the-top. Ronan, who is generally very, very good...really excels here. I need to go back and watch her in BROOKLYN...such contrasting characters, but both done so well. Another Oscar nomination for sure. She's really quite amazing, and her face is just great to watch. The wonderful Metcalf finally gets a great role in a movie, and she's terrific. As her husband, Tracy Letts is more understated (on purpose) and he builds a delightful character, missing some of the sharp edges Letts often brings to his roles. The rather amazing Lucas Hedges (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA) has another great part, and again hits a home run. It's just so delightful to see everyone clearly having a great time working together to have these interesting characters interact so convincingly (and often heartbreakingly) with each other.

I didn't leave the film thinking I had learned lots of new things about the human condition. I wasn't suddenly moved to take action. But I was so thoroughly happy to have spent a couple of hours with these messed-up but so relatable people. Gerwig and her company have really made a small-sized masterpiece here, and I strongly encourage everyone to check out the film.