One movie that has really brought a smile to my face during this social distancing is 2017’s Lady Bird. This movie makes me laugh out loud while also painting an accurate picture of the ups and downs of being a teenager. The story follows Christine, also known as “Lady Bird,” through her senior year of high school as she struggles with college, friendship drama, dating, and her turbulent relationship with her mother. It is a particularly relatable film for me because Christine goes to a Catholic all-girls’ school and performs in theater with the boys from their brother school (that sounds familiar). 

One thing I love about this movie is how realistic the character of Lady Bird is. She perfectly embodies the frustration and confusion of growing up without falling into the one-dimensional “angsty teen” stereotype you see in so many movies. Lady Bird is a well developed character so that we can see the source of her anxiety. She’s struggling to assert herself and her beliefs in a world that doesn’t listen. The name she gives herself is symbolic of this. She insists on being called Lady Bird rather than the name her parents gave her because she’s trying to explore her identity separate from her family. At the end of the movie, when she starts going by Christine again, it symbolizes her acceptance of who she truly is. Even though her story is one that is common to many teenagers, it never feels by the numbers or unoriginality. It feels like a very personal, honest retelling of the most pivotal time in the main character’s life. 

I especially love seeing Lady Bird’s relationship with her mother unfold. One scene that perfectly sums up their hot-and-cold dynamic is the scene when they’re shopping for a dress for Lady Bird to wear to Thanksgiving with her boyfriend’s family. One moment they’re bickering over her mother’s criticism and the next moment Lady Bird finds a dress and they’re instantly back to excitedly shopping and laughing. This is consistent with their dynamic throughout the movie. While we see them fighting often, Lady Bird always goes to her mother when she’s struggling. They’re such a realistic example of a loving mother-daughter relationship that the growing pains of teen years have put a strain on.

One thing that’s really unique and interesting about this film is that they’re isn’t really a central conflict to the plot. It’s just a series of moments that happen in Lady Bird’s life as she transitions from a child to a woman, rather than one concise plot defined by a single conflict or goal. It’s just like life. Lots of things happen that may seem insignificant at the time, but end up teaching you something valuable. By the end of the movie, we, as the audience, suddenly realize that Lady Bird has grown up before our eyes. 

I loved this movie because it was so relatable in where I am in my life right now, and where most teenagers find themselves at some point – feeling the stress and frustration of trying to grow up and be independent yet also still needing guidance from parental figures as you’re on the brink of adulthood. Younger students may have to ask their parents before watching this, but for juniors and seniors, this is a really inspiring, relatable movie that spoke to me and hopefully will speak to you too.

Lucy Stefani ’21, Arts & Entertainment Editor 

21lstefani@montroseschool.org