Although Lady Bird was released in the US more than two months ago, Australia will get its first glimpse of the Oscar-nominated film on Thursday 15 February. The film has garnered a huge amount of critical acclaim, taking out the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture (musical or comedy), Best Actress, and is nominated for the Academy Awards coming later in the year.
Apart from critical acclaim, the public is also taking to the film, with Lady Bird breaking the Rotten Tomatoes record for the highest number of positive (or “fresh”) reviews with zero negative ones.
The film comes alive off the back of the brilliant directorial debut of Greta Gerwig and the eccentric script and flawless performance of Saoirse Ronan.
With a minuscule budget of $10 million, the film has created a coming of age story which explores the space between childhood and adulthood. Gerwig’s film takes on a modest approach to its storytelling, taking the protagonist on a journey of self-discovery.
The film takes its time explaining the entirety of adolescence, through the hazards of friendship, the openhearted but uncertain fumblings of romance, and the unresolved and ever-mounting tensions of family life.
The film is a critical phenomenon, however, it may not be for everyone. If you are a person who loves the fast-paced action and adventure flicks, this movie may feel a little slow.
Lady Bird is a film that encapsulates the rebelliousness, narcissism and innocence of youth through the use of wit and melancholy. The indie film has an air of freshness surrounding it and the movie more than deserves the praise around it.
