Before 'Barbie', Greta Gerwig Made One of the Most Heartfelt Coming-Of-Age-Dramas With 99% on RT
It's a portrait of adolescence and complex family relationships, depicting the universal experience of self-discovery.
Before the resounding success of Barbie, Greta Gerwig directed Lady Bird, one of A24's biggest hits, which established her as an independent director with a distinctive voice.
Lady Bird is an intimate, sincere, and incredibly touching coming-of-age story that has become a benchmark for honest feminist commentary.
What Is 'Lady Bird' About?
The movie chronicles a challenging year in the life of 17-year-old Christine McPherson from Sacramento. She attends a conservative Catholic school, but her rebellious nature and vivid imagination set her apart from her peers.
Christine dreams of moving to New York City, but her mother, Marion, doesn't support her aspirations. As graduation approaches, the relationship between Christine and Marion becomes increasingly complex and tense.
Christine often behaves ungratefully toward her loved ones, and Marion can dash her dreamer daughter's hopes with a single caustic remark.
'Lady Bird's Greatest Strength Is the Perfect Duo of Saoirse Ronan & Laurie Metcalf
Lady Bird's main strength is its brilliant performances by Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf. Ronan captivates viewers in every scene, portraying a character who rebels while seeking love.
Her portrayal of Christine is the epitome of a 2000s teenage girl and reflects the character's creator.
Metcalf delivers one of the most powerful performances of her career as the mother, a woman who loves her daughter but doesn't always know how to show it. Their scenes together, full of pain and tenderness, form the heart of the film.
One especially touching moment is when Marion, who initially refused to see Christine off, turns the car around, hoping to say goodbye to her daughter.
'Lady Bird' Is Partly Based on Gerwig's Personal Experiences, Which Is Why It Feels So Genuine
Lady Bird is a poignant love letter to Greta Gerwig's birthplace, Sacramento, and an ode to those who feel out of place. Like her character, Gerwig grew up in Sacramento, attended a Catholic school, and yearned to be different.
Drawing from her memory and diaries, she wrote and directed a movie that has resonated with millions of girls around the world.
Lady Bird became a springboard for young actors like Beanie Feldstein, Kathryn Newton, and Lucas Hedges and laid the foundation for Gerwig's future collaborations with major studios.
While the 2010s saw many coming-of-age gems, Lady Bird deserves the crown.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Lady Bird'?
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Lady Bird has 99% from critics and 79% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.4/10.
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On Letterboxd, Lady Bird scored 3.8/5.0.
Where to Watch 'Lady Bird'?
Lady Bird is available to stream on HBO Max and Hulu.
