Lady Bird is a heartfelt coming-of-age story that also gives us a parent's view of the teenage years [Review]
With a caring but overbearing mother on her back, how will Lady Bird manage to spread her wings?
Christine (Saoirse Ronan) is the titular Lady Bird, struggling to find her adult voice as her controlling mother Marion (Laurie Metcalf) looks on.Guaranteeing to make you both laugh and cry, Lady Bird is an emotionally raw coming-of-age drama that anyone who experiments with their rebellious side can identify with, and love.
The film revolves around Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a high school student from the Californian suburbs. The fickle teen struggles in a love-hate relationship with her iron-willed mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf), while exploring her own identity through family, friendships, and love.
There’s no question why Ronan’s performance won her a Best Actress Golden Globe. Her incredible portrayal of an outspoken, self-absorbed 18-year-old is one of the best ever. She flawlessly displays the angst and emotional distress that every soon-to-be adult experiences at some point.
Metcalf’s performance as the overly anxious and controlling mother, is also nothing short of spectacular. Marion is a complex character who has trouble showing affection, but shows how much she loves her daughter through her actions, which often directly contradict her cold words.
Lady Bird is more than a movie about cross-generational conflict and misunderstanding – it is a well-thought-out and precise sketch of the struggles of youth. In short, Lady Bird is a rare gem that you don’t want to miss.
Edited by Ben Young