Review of Mistress America (2015) by Tvjerry — 08 Sep 2015

Noah Baumbach's personal, indie films are sometimes smart but always self-conscious and self-indulgent. This one continues the habit. Lola Kirke plays a freshman who isn't having an expectedly exciting college experience.

She finds out that her mom is re-marrying and that her free-spirited new stepsister (Greta Gerwig) is living in Manhattan. Their quick connection is driven by Gerwig's character, who we're supposed to think is quirky, charming and funny (but oh so flawed).

This is basically mumblecore hyped up with screwball comedy aspirations. Unfortunately, very little of it was quirky, charming or funny…just labored in it's attempts. There's lots of energy, but the lead duo isn't engaging, the supporting characters are uninteresting and the script doesn't amuse.