Best Picture Nominee Review: Lady Bird

Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird is tour de force of cinema, and it is what every coming-of-age film strives to be. It tells the story of Christine MacPherson, but she would rather be called “Lady Bird.” Lady Bird is growing up in Sacramento, California, and we get to see some of the highlights of her life as she traverses through her senior year of Catholic high school and prepares for bigger things beyond Sacramento.

This might sound like a boring, unoriginal plot. It is executed extremely well, however, and makes for one of the best films of the year. The quality with which this film is crafted is astonishing, especially from a first-time director. Lady Bird is unorthodox in how it is filmed. There is not so much of a traditional rising and falling action as there is a series of contained moments showcasing Lady Bird’s day-to-day life. Once again like Call Me By Your Name, this unique style gives the film a sense of realism that most coming-of-age stories do not have.

This realism allows you to grow attached to the characters. As they journey through life, you can see yourself in them. Lady Bird alone is incredibly relatable. Even adults can relate to this movie, thanks to Lady Bird’s mother. She comes across as cold and harsh, but she really does care and, deep down, she does not want her daughter to grow up. I am sure many adults can relate and maybe even learn something.

Beyond the characters, this film is entertaining to watch, while also being serious. There are lighthearted events as well as several serious, deeply emotional ones. Such a balancing act of opposing tones could be disastrous for some filmmakers, but Gerwig handles it well. The film is hilarious one second and tear-jerking the next, and these transitions never feel harsh. It all feels natural and fluid and adds to the film’s realism. The film also deserves praise for its unique direction and plot choices. Sadly, many coming-of-age stories with female leads focus heavily on romantic relationships. Luckily for Lady Bird, her love life is not a big focus of the film. Sure, there are boys in her life, but they are not the main focus. The film focuses more on her relationship with her mother, which is something we have not seen very often.

The acting in this film, as expected, is phenomenal. Saoirse Ronan gives a great performance as the title girl that young people, past and present, can relate to. Timothée Chalamet (Elio from Call Me By Your Name) has a supporting role here, and while his role is not huge, he does a good job. Every other young actor is great too. There is not a single weak link. The real winner, though, is Laurie Metcalf, who plays Lady Bird’s mother, Marion. She gives her character an incredible amount of layers. You can tell she is saying something but thinking something else.

Overall, this is a phenomenal film. It is small-scale and reserved, but it is incredibly moving with effective humor. The acting is stellar, and everything makes for an incredibly relatable film that captures the rocky transition between adolescence and adulthood. As someone who is in this turbulent period of life, I can relate to this film, and I am sure most high schoolers can relate to this film. This is a charming, funny, and emotional coming-of-age story that is a treat to watch, and it is one of highest quality films of the year. I am hesitant to say it will win, but anything is possible.