LADY BIRD

SYNOPSIS:
In 2002, the self named Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan) tries to work out her direction in life - amid conflict with her mother (Laurie Metcalf), relationship with her father (Tracy Letts), her best friend (Beanie Feldstein) and potential boyfriends (Lucas Hedges and Timothee Chamet).

Review by Louise Keller:
There is something sweet and quirky about Greta Gerwig's semi-autobiographical coming of age story, Lady Bird. It has a lovely lilt about it: an effortless flow of character-driven action that amuses and endears. Gerwig has a natural directing style and it is easy to imagine her fitting the protagonist's mould, played to perfection here by Saoirse Ronan. Ronan is disarmingly good: she is every bit the teenage rebel struggling with herself and her relationship with her mother. It's fresh and funny; unexpected and moving. It's about life, love and finding your way - and we delight in every minute of this charmer of a film that navigates the bends and bumps of the road to the unknown future.

Christine 'Lady Bird' McPherson (Ronan) is a freewheeling, creative spirit, eager to soar as high as the star in the night sky that she elects to pick as her own. The year is 2002 and the future is far from clear as her final year at Catholic school plays out. Most of the fireworks are sparks between mother and statement-red haired daughter; Laurie Metcalf is superb as the no-nonsense mother who says what she means and can deliver a withering look when required. Much is explained when Lady Bird's father (Tracy Letts) states the obvious: 'You both have such strong personalities.' Beanie Feldstein plays the tolerant best friend and we are on the sidelines for the memorable ride of first time sexual experiences. Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) and Timothee Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name) bring a nice vibe.

While it is true that some of the themes are far from original, the film plays with unbridled freshness and warmth. We can almost sense that Gerwig's tale comes from a real place and the sincerity shines through - just like those sparkling stars that represent our dreams.