#lady-bird

This has to be one of the most underrated movies I have seen. This coming-of-age film is one must-see for everyone, especially for teenagers who are slowly navigating themselves into the world of adulthood, self-discovery, college, relationships with family, and romantic relationships.

The film is centered around a teenaged girl named Christine (I believe that’s how it’s spelled.), who would prefer to be called “Lady Bird”. She goes to a catholic high school in a seemingly unexciting town and has struggled to find her way through the things she wants and the things she needs and is constantly in a mouth-off with her mother- like any other teenager, really.

From initial forays into romance and sexuality to the complex dynamics of school friendships to the laborious and stressful task of applying to college, the film covers it all with PTSD-inducing authenticity. Even prom receives a considerable amount of attention. Without a doubt, the film's central theme is the virtually impossible element of the mother-daughter relationship. Throughout the whole film, we see her mother standing still as she watches her “Lady Bird” soar high. She adjusts as much as she can, calling Christine “Lady Bird” despite the confusion of why she had to do such a thing.

Lady Bird's connection with her mother Marion (Laurie Metcalfe) is a grounding yet irritating constant amidst the fast-paced changes in all other parts of her life. The love-hate relationship between the two of them is, in some ways, incredibly realistic. As for the actors, I have nothing but good things to say. I remember seeing Saoirse Ronan on Little Women and being so stunned with her acting that I looked her up on Google to see what other movies she was in. That is how I first discovered “Lady Bird” and rewatching it is no bummer for me as I love it every time I get a glimpse of it. Lady Bird recognizes the vulnerability and unpredictability of the protagonist.

Despite Christine's complaints that her existence has no meaning or direction, and that she was born in an era devoid of purpose or context, the film highlights the absurdity of her remarks. Lady Bird realizes that its protagonist is living at a significant cultural time and contrasts her listlessness with that feeling of vastness and societal care.

This is a film that is aware of its main character's occasionally-occurring unreasonable deeds and character flaws, as well as the awful decisions she makes and her unwillingness to look at her life and situation objectively. Despite this, we see growth. Something that everyone goes through at some point- all at a different age, that is. Nevertheless, the film shows that it will take time, but growth is always possible.