Actress Greta Gerwig went from the ‘Queen of Mumblecore’ (naturalistic, no-budget slacker films) to comedy star with Noah Baumbach (Frances Ha, 2012) who is not averse to talk of psychological and relationship issues.

These influences resound in Gerwig’s endearing solo directorial debut Lady Bird. Fluidly and with great empathy for her characters, she spotlights the funny and tragic sides of teenage life in her relatively dull hometown Sacramento in 2002. After 9/11, but before the 2008 financial crisis. 

17-year-old high school student Christine aka ‘Lady Bird’ (Saoirse Ronan) is preoccupied with friendship, love, sex and dreams of a bigger world. In her poor household, she argues with her frustrated mother (Laurie Metcalf). Gerwig’s naturalistic, often amusing dialogues come to life thanks to an impressive cast including Lois Smith, Stephen Henderson and Tracy Letts.

Nominated for five Academy Awards, among which Best Motion Picture of the year, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Saoirse Ronan) and Best Achievement in Directing. Winner of a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Saoirse Ronan).