11/24/2017 - Lady Bird (2017) - 8/10

An ecstatic and bittersweet masterpiece of a personal and essentially universal coming of age story. It is a journey of self exploration and realization, that is both broad and nuanced. Perhaps the freshest and cleverest evolutionary bright spot of the mumblecore aesthetic, both idiosyncratically smart and potently fine. This is a magnificently crafted and immensely enjoyable little dramedy.

Ronan is palpable and identifiably sympathetic. She is personable, treacherous, confused, spiteful, and naive; the proper amalgamation of teenage angst, passion, and uncertainty. Metcalf’s “mom” was so strong, finely tuned, and emotionally piercing. A tremendous bookend across from Lady Bird, wisely filling in the narrative maelstrom that separates and combines the two. Both deserve acclaim and recognition, anchoring each emotional beat and expertly driving every clenched laugh and woeful tear.

Gerwig’s classy voice, existential ennui and bespoke sentiment dwell within every crevice of the movie. Its heart is her own. It is elemental and yet unique, tweaking those situations so well-worn that the tread can rarely be seen, but there is such panache and believable brilliance. This is a tale that we have all experienced and seen interpreted hundreds of times but it feels exceptional and sublimely marvelous.

Lady Bird will not dazzle with technical wizardry or flair, but it is deftly crafted and smartly sweet. It finds the magic in the unremarkable, with its frankness, its curiously cool quirk, and its righteously pounding heart. It is soulful and splendid and a wonderful film that all should see.