Lady Bird is joyous and one the best coming of age films in years that will make you reminisce your youth
“The only interesting thing about 2002 is the fact it’s a Palindrome” says Christine “Ladybird” McPherson in the way only a 17yr old girl from a nothing town with little to look forward to can.
This, the first scene in the film, is just before she throws herself out of her mother’s car, breaking her arm.
Whilst this could be seen as brattish and selfish, Ladybird is such a well-pitched film you feel Christine’s yearning for more in every single scene.
It’s a drab era, in a drab town full of drab choices. Dreaming of a cool New York college?
Tough - your dad just lost his job.
Want that friend? Tough - you’re poor.
That guy? Dream on, look at the state of your hair.
Want to be understood - good luck with getting through to your mum little girl.
It’s these thoughts (we all had) that burden Christine throughout her attempt at being liked, respected and appreciated.
It doesn’t matter if it’s cheating at an exam or losing her virginity - it’s all done with gusto and self-deprecating awareness.
Like an American Adrian Mole, Gerwig’s directorial debut is hormonal and hilarious.
There’s boob touching, weed smoking, awful school bands, falling in love with someone different every single day, the switching of best friends on a whim, lying about your background to be cool.
We’ve all done it.
It’s an extremely funny film - as if written by David Letterman and Tina Fey on a road trip.
Tracy Lets as dad Larry is sublime, the calming influence caught in the maelstrom of Laurie Metcalf’s Marion - a mother so weary and ground down by life, the last thing she needs to see is a daughter turning in into a mirror image.
Yes the screenplay is great (and likely to be the only real chance it has at getting a statuette), but the film is Ronan’s and has rightfully snared her THIRD Oscar nomination at only 23!
She’s terrifyingly confident in her own talent, and rightly so - If his is how good she is now, we’re in for a joyous ride.
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Ladybird is the best coming of age film I’ve seen in years.
Think Adrian MoleThe only time I stopped smiling was when it made me cry.
Torn between watching it and remembering my youth, or seeing my life as a parent of reflected back at me. A terrific, joyous film.
Ladybird
(15) 94mins
★★★★☆