Lady Bird

Lady Bird
Directed by Greta Gerwig
Starring Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet, Lucas Hedges, Lois Smith, Tracy Letts, Stephen Henderson and Beanie Feldstein
In UK Cinemas February 16th, 2018

by Joanna Orland

Greta Gerwig has gifted us with her directorial debut – the refreshingly honest Lady Bird. The film allows for Gerwig’s unique voice to penetrate through the story of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a rambunctious teenager, coming-of-age to find her own voice, while reconciling her relationship with her overbearing mother.

Gerwig is not the only star shining bright in this film; Saorise Ronan as the title character gives a wonderfully genuine performance. As does actress Laurie Metcalf in the role of Lady Bird’s mother. Having strong female characters in front of and behind the camera lifts the film’s honesty and relatability. Scenes between Lady Bird and her mother are familiar to any woman who has gone through her teenage years, bickering with an overly critical mother. The film depicts teenage awkwardness, relationships, and the path to maturity in all its glory and despair. It’s beautifully done and one of the most true-to-life narratives portrayed on screen.

It is hard to believe that Lady Bird is Gerwig’s first feature as director. It feels so highly accomplished on many levels; throughougly developed complex characters (even those with the smallest of supporting roles), a solid entertaining script, masterful directing, and so much heart. If this is only her first attempt at filmmaking, I am ridiculously excited to see what she has in store for us over what I presume will be a long and illustrious directorial career.