Review of Lady Bird (2017) by Markopolous — 21 Dec 2017

Such a lovely movie, I’m so glad this exists. Really a landmark moment in cinematic history, I think. We so rarely get such assured, unique directing, especially from a debut filmmaker. As a female director, Greta Gerwig brings such a special perspective, humanizing nearly every character with just a few small lines or moments, so that even in a movie centered squarely on one person, all of the characters come alive.

Some standout moments in particular: Lucas Hedges’ character sobbing in Lady Bird’s arms, Lady Bird reconnecting with her best friend, nearly every moment between her mother and her, and the small details like her reclaiming her given name, finding comfort in church, and thinking of her mom the first time she drove alone.

Great soundtrack by the way. It’s a little unfortunate that in a movie that so masterfully brings humanity to nearly every character, doesn’t really have any POC in the film to speak of. Except for Lady Bird’s adopted brother who barely even gets that moment.