Young love, family conflict, virginity, growing up– all are common themes conquered by the film industry. “Lady Bird,” a coming of age story starring Saoirse Ronan, captures Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson in her senior year, exploring the reality of the American high school experience, from a white female’s perspective that is, and what it means to find yourself. Director Greta Gerwig presents a brutally honest portrayal of teenage life, and manages to make those well-used themes seem revived.

The movie was messy in the best way possible, with no firm plot. The sequence of Lady Bird going through the college application process ties the events of her senior year together, and makes the relationship between her and her mother even more turbulent than it already is. Her mother, played by Laurie Metcalf, nitpicks everything Lady Bird does, making Lady Bird that much more eager to get out of her house for college. But the family’s low funds might prohibit her from doing so, especially if Metcalf’s character Marion has a say.

After seeing the movie with my mom she asked me “was it accurate? Is that what it’s like being a teenager these days?” Though the movie is set in 2002, I did feel that many experiences were ones I’d had or seen around me. Specifically, the self proclaimed anarchist with a brooding vibe, Kyle Scheible, was a character I felt popped right out of the Wilson hallways.

Visually, I thought the scenes lacked detail and personality. The background was often simple–plain white walls or a clean car. In contrast with such full and vibrant characters, something seemed missing.

Overall, I definitely would recommend “Lady Bird” for a laugh and a tug on your heartstrings. Solid 8.5/10.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CREATIVE COMMONS