A Classic of Our Time: “Lady Bird” receives raving reviews from critics and viewers

The independent film, Lady Bird, directed by newcomer Greta Gerwig, hit theaters Nov. 3 and has since received praise from critics and audiences. Set in 2002 Sacramento, Lady Bird follows eccentric, strong-willed adolescent, Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan), as she navigates senior year at her Catholic high school and a tumultuous relationship with her mother (Laurie Metcalf). Lady Bird currently has a score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is almost unheard of. Lady Bird is currently playing at Hollywood 16 and is rated R.

Lady Bird is a quintessential coming of age film which portrays adolescence in the most honest and raw way. Lady Bird is fiery, sensitive, and romantic, and dreams of something more than a life in her hometown of suburban Sacramento. She dreams of going to the east coast for school and creating a new life filled with culture and individuality. Lady Bird faces hardships including losing her best friend, navigating difficult relationships, and her father losing his job.

Lady Bird’s most difficult relationship in the movie is with her opinionated, critical, and often abrasive mother. Although Lady Bird’s worst fear is becoming like her mother, she learns that they are more alike than she realizes. Although Lady Bird and her mother have seemingly irreconcilable differences, they both have strong personalities that often clash terribly.

This movie resonated with me deeply because I could identify with many of the obstacles and feelings Lady Bird experiences as she prepares to leave her hometown and start a new journey. While this movie follows the experiences and relationships of a 17-year-old girl, it is relevant to people of all ages because it is an alarmingly accurate and poignant illustration of the complex, humorous, and heartbreaking human condition.