'Lady Bird' - Film Review

Released: 16th February 2018 
Directed By: Greta Gerwig




I have been highly anticipating the release of this film since I first saw the trailer for it several months ago. My friend Will and myself are massive Saoirse Ronan fans, and so were both super excited for this new film. 

'Lady Bird' is an excellent coming-of-age story that focusses on the mother-daughter relationship between Lady Bird and her mother. Both superbly cast roles, that allow the audience to see the relationship from both angles, instead of just telling one side of the story. Laurie Metcalfe and Saoirse Ronan have such electricity when they act together in scenes, that it evokes many an emotion from the audience throughout the film. Light-hearted and comedic moments are so quickly thrown into lashing and hurtful arguments between the two, that regardless of the fact that Lady Bird acts as our lead protagonist, we don't always agree with the treatment towards her mother, as well as towards her father and friends etc. 

These fierce and provoking fights, are down to the well written script by Greta Gerwig, a true leading female filmmaker, she deserves every recognition for this beautiful film. The editing throughout is thoughtfully put together and plays up to the humorous content in the film, with perfectly timed cuts. 

We follow Lady Bird through her final year at her Catholic High School in Sacramento California during the year of 2002; watching over both her family relationships and her romantic interests. Lady Bird is determined to get into an East Coast college 'where culture is' all the while missing the beautiful Californian landscape that is her current home. The narrative is well paced and allows the audience to fully immerse themselves in Lady Bird's world. The time is taken to establish every character however subtle their role may be, and it gives the film it's well rounded edge. 

After I watched the film and quite rightly loved it, my family also viewed the film but didn't share in my praise for the powerful ending. They thought it lacked in emotion and didn't make sense as the concluding final scene. I would have to disagree, Lady Bird returning to church and breaking the silence between herself and her mother was truly moving, and makes all twenty-something year olds ponder the whole process of decided to move out and leave home. Struck a chord with myself definitely and I think it's an appropriate ending to the film. 

On the whole 'Lady Bird' is a heart-warming story, that is well written and perfect for anyone's cosy Sunday night in film viewing. Having the perfect balance of tumultuous drama and happy endings. 

~

Until next time, 
Charlotte.  

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