Review: Lady Bird (BD)

Director Greta Gerwig is well-known as an actress, having played various roles, including voicing the exchange student in Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs, which I reviewed earlier this year. Her directorial debut, in collaboration with another director, was the 2008 feature film Nights and Weekends. Now, a decade later, she returns as both director and screenwriter for Lady Bird, a film nominated for five Oscar nominations.

Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson is navigating her senior year at a Catholic High School. The narrative explores her strained relationship with her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf), her attempts to explore her sexuality, and her aspirations for college. The family faces financial hardship, exacerbated by her father Larry’s (Tracy Letts) job loss. The film portrays the complexities of teenage life, with her best friend Julie (Beanie Feldstein) serving as a confidante.

Lady Bird, while not groundbreaking in its innovation or dialogue, represents a competent piece of filmmaking by Gerwig. The acting performances are generally strong, with Laurie Metcalf delivering a particularly compelling performance as the mother. The dynamic between her and Saoirse Ronan feels authentic, and the interactions with Tracy Letts, as the father, are equally well-developed.

However, the extensive praise surrounding this film seems somewhat disproportionate. The film maintains a steady pace without achieving significant emotional resonance. While certain events unfold, the narrative lacks the compelling conflict or challenge present in films such as Juno. Although Lady Bird faces familial tension and romantic disappointments, the film ultimately feels understated.

The Blu-ray edition offers adequate picture quality, although the visuals appear somewhat muted in color. The audio presentation is unremarkable, suitable for the film’s content but not demanding of sophisticated audio equipment. The edition also includes a commentary track and a brief documentary, both of which are satisfactory.

While not a poor film, Lady Bird does not reach the level of cinematic achievement suggested by the hype. The Oscar nominations feel somewhat unwarranted, considering other, more deserving films that have gone unrecognized. The rating reflects the film’s solid craftsmanship and acting, but is tempered by the high expectations generated by the surrounding acclaim.