Greta Gerwig’s first solo flight as a director and writer perfectly captures the bittersweet transition between happy childhood and awkward adolescence. It’s a coming-of-age story, as the rebellious Christine (Saoirse Ronan) struggles with autonomy and her controlling mother (Laurie Metcalf). In an act towards independence, Christine renames herself Ladybird in an attempt to reinvent herself amongst the shuffle of a vastly clerical Catholic high school. The film follows Ladybird’s ups and downs, potential new boyfriends, bad boyfriends, family struggles, jobs, social orders and most importantly. it charts her attempt to escape the trap of hometown life by attending an East Coast college
As a film, Lady Bird reconstructs the feelings of growing up in the early 2000s, in a pre-mobile phone and social media era with accuracy that will make it irresistible to anyone who grew up in the dawn of commercialised internet and bad hairdos. Unlike many derivative coming-of-age stories, Gerwig does not focus on sexuality or romance to shift the plot but instead concentrates on the volatile relationship between Ladybird and her mother. The two are so alike, yet so different to each other. In one of the very first scenes the pair joyously recite an audio book of The Grapes of Wrath whilst driving home from a college tour. The next moment Ladybird flings herself from the same moving car in an attempt to win an argument over which college she will choose.
Gerwig has previously co-directed and co-written a number of features (Frances Ha, Mistress America). However, this is her first venture as a solo director and writer and it’s an outstanding success. The script is exceptionally well written, full of word-play and subtle anecdotes. It shifts from slapstick nostalgic comedy to raw intense emotion in a fluid appreciation of what it feels like to be a teenager again. Ronan is spectacular in the title role and interprets the nuances of Gerwig’s script with commendable accuracy. Despite being 23 when she was cast in the role, Ronan tackles Ladybird’s contradictory impulses of insecurity and self-assurance, selfishness and generosity with incredible authenticity and layered depth that epitomises the reality of adolescence.
“I want you to be the very best version of yourself” assures her mother. “But what if this is the best version?” Ladybird responds in an existential and sardonic manner. Lady Bird is far from a perfect debut from Gerwig, but it does get to the depth of bittersweet nostalgia and human connections with subtle, heartwarming resonance.
●●●●○
