"Lady Bird" Is The Real Deal | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"Lady Bird" Is The Real Deal

Writer-director Greta Gerwig brings audiences one of the finest pieces of film this decade has graced us with!

257
"Lady Bird" Is The Real Deal
Instagram

When I was aware that Greta Gerwig was directing a feature film, I had the littlest amount of hope for it. I have nothing against Gerwig as a person, but her work as an actress or writer never managed to blow me away like it has with everyone else and their mothers. The premise behind "Lady Bird"sounded intriguing, but it wasn’t until I saw the trailer for it and I expressed a huge level of excitement for it. With all the praise that ended up surrounding it, there was a fear when walking in because of my history with Gerwig’s work prior. I have to say that being afraid was an absurd action on my part, as "Lady Bird" is not only one of the year’s best films - but one of the decade’s top contenders.

I don’t even know where to start when discussing "Lady Bird," but I will say that this makes my whole perspective of Gerwig change vastly. She directed this film beautifully and her screenplay tops that absolutely. This is a coming-of-age story following Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), a high school senior, who dreams of going to schools where culture lies and to be away from her strict mother (Laurie Metcalf). A lot of people are going to be thrown off by the idea of another coming-of-age story and while it does follow similar tropes to other films in this genre, "Lady Bird" does something extremely different that makes it stand out from other coming-of-age films we’ve received in recent memory.

Gerwig makes Christine such a despicable character, while still making the audience find ways to care for her and understand where she is coming from. When the film was beginning, I was asking myself why Gerwig was trying so hard to get me to like Christine so much. As the film progressed, I came to appreciate how layered Christine was as a person and Ronan does a phenomenal job of bringing that to her. Ronan always brings her A-game and she continues to amaze me as she evolves with her acting chops. Ronan does terrific with the dramatic scenes of course, but she surprised me with the comedic moments. Speaking of comedy and drama, Gerwig’s screenplay is my favorite of the year so far. Her balance of both genres is impeccable and a breath of fresh air.

The admiration that Gerwig placed for the city of Sacramento was also a highlight of the film, as it plays a pivotal part to Christine’s story arc, not only because that’s the film’s setting. I don’t want to give anything away, but when you view "Lady Bird," you will understand and appreciate what I’m saying. Everyone else in the film is spectacular, with Metcalf giving an Oscar-worthy performance as Christine’s stern, but caring, mother. The supporting cast is also filled with stand-out performances from up-and-comers Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet and Beanie Feldstein. I felt that everyone’s story arcs were handled perfectly and while I wish certain characters had longer on-screen appearances, each actor had their shining sequence. That’s something that you can worry about when going into a film with a huge ensemble cast.

There were a few plot points that weren’t completed, but that is a minor flaw I had with the film. All in all, "Lady Bird" was absolutely spectacular and is a film that will be regarded as a classic down the road. I am still in shock that I loved the directorial debut of Greta Gerwig and I wish her nothing but the best down the road with her directorial efforts. While I don’t dislike her as an actress, I feel she has a stronger talent for directing and writing. "Lady Bird" is a film that can’t be missed and if it’s pushed off your radar, then there’s a serious issue with you and your taste in film.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

850
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

4226
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

2599
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

201962
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments