Review of Frances Ha (2013) by Hoops2448 — 10 Sep 2013

While at first I had no idea what to expect from Frances Ha as it seems to have no semblance of a plot, a complete lack of meaning and a main character who jumps from one extreme to another. In the end though I was in awe of this unexpected little triumph.

When Frances (Greta Gerwig) learns that her room mate and best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner) is moving out she must scramble to get her life in order as everyone else seems to be getting their things together.

However this proves more difficult for Frances as she is an interesting and lovable train wreck. Unlike director Noah Baumbach's previous film, the intolerably boring Greenberg, Frances Ha has a lead character who sure takes some getting used to with her indecipherable rants and her illogical sense of self, but isn't an insufferable presence who only gets more despicable.

It's a film about self awareness and the ability to know your own self worth and therefore it has a wonderful yet lifelike conclusion anyone who watches will be happy with. While the first act is all over the place, its only to highlight Frances' hyperactive personality and her inability to be still and settle down.

The film really comes into its own when Frances is forced to make plans because Frances in trouble is both hilarious and tragic making for a compelling watch. Gerwig is fantastic and understands the effervescent nature of Frances as if it was her.

Something this film makes very easy to believe. Peppered with interesting side characters to round out Frances' surprisingly large friend circle (especially for someone as high maintenance as she is), the film is equal parts unusual comedy and sombre drama as we cling to the words coming out of this self destructive yet brilliant woman.