*May contain spoilers for the film*
*Age rating of the film: 15+*
In case you didn't know, this film isn't about those 6 legged insects who eat your aphids, so if that's what you're looking for, I'm afraid you won't find it here.
Lady Bird is a coming-of-age film by American director Greta Gerwig.
It follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a senior at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Sacramento, California in the early 2000s.
Christine is a character that resonates deeply with many who watch the film.
She is torn between who she is: a working class, flawed teenager, and who she wants to become: an East Coast arts major living far from the clutches of Sacramento.
Christine’s journey is one of self-discovery and many mistakes.
She has her best friend, Julie (Beanie Feldstein), who she has spent most of her life with. Despite this, their friendship becomes strained as the film progresses, as Christine yearns to be with the more ‘popular kids’ and lies about her wealth, among other things, to become friends with them.
She also meets her first boyfriend, Danny (Lucas Hedges) at a drama club, and they have a wholesome relationship. That is until she stumbles upon a secret of his, causing their love to come to a swift end.
In addition, we see a lot about Christine and her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf).
Throughout the film Marion often underestimates Christine, doubting her ability to go to the New York to study the arts as she dreams to.
The mother's critical nature conflicts with Christines ambitions and causes them to have many arguments, ending in the silent treatment.
The duo often butt heads due to their equally strong personalities. Marion struggles to understand Christine, and projects her own insecurities onto her.
Yet it’s clear they both have a deep love for one another, and share moments of tenderness that leave you reaching for tissues.
By the end of the film, their bond remains complex, but is on the road to improvement, with Marion trying to express her love through letters, and Christine acknowledging her mother sacrifices while away at college.
Friendship, love and the bittersweetness of growing up are among the central themes of Lady Bird, yet none are so prevalent and so important as the complicated parental love that Christine receives.
Without it, I doubt the film would be as good as it proves to be.
Lady Bird is one of the few films that captures the very essence of what it’s like to be a teenager, and the fears, struggles, and downright hope that they live with.
Whether it’s due to the excellent cast, Greta Gerwig’s directing, the heartfelt script, or a perfect blend of them all, this film is one that will resonate with anyone who watches it; young, old and everything in between.
I wholeheartedly recommend you watch Lady Bird and hope you feel the warmth and magic Gerwig has brought to life.
