Awards: 2018 Nominated as Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Original Screenplay

Directed by Greta Gerwig, “Lady Bird” introduces a coming-of-age story with a female protagonist overcoming obstacles as she matures. Although born with the name Christine, the young girl refuses to accept her given name, and rather pressures everyone to call her Lady Bird. The screenplay opens with an unexpected scene: during a discussion with her mother Marion on a drive, irritated by Marion’s understatement of her abilities, Lady Bird jumps out of the car. However, this is only the beginning to the child’s rebellious streak. Due to the family’s low economic status, the immature teenager is ashamed and keeps her true self hidden from the rest of her classmates. Lady Bird experiences all shapes of embarrassment—family, friends, sexual interests—but only through these conflicts, she matures into a considerate woman. 

No one knows exactly how or where the name “Lady Bird” came from, neither is there any elaborate explanation within the screenplay. In an interview with the National Public Radio, Gerwig claimed she has “no idea where it came from.” On the other hand, the title and name play a significant role throughout. To begin with, while Christine wishes to fly away from her responsibilities, yet embryonic, she fails in her attempt to escape during the drive. Lady Bird is caged back in the McPherson household. Similar to a lady bug or bird that defends itself with toxic chemicals, Lady Bird prevents others, especially her parents, from intruding into her personal high school life. Hence, though unintended, the name “Lady Bird” appears symbolic of the premature stages the juvenile is subjected to. 

Furthermore, each character is well developed, possessing a distinct trait of his/her own. To begin with, one of the most crucial characters, Marion McPherson, allows Lady Bird to awaken and appreciate her surroundings. The mother learns from her conflicts with the child as well. Portrayed as a loving but strict parent, Marion hates to denounce her daughter, knowing it is her duty as a mother to do so. Running to emergency rooms at unwelcoming hours, the woman carries a great burden on her shoulders as a mother, a wife, and a worker. She comes to realize that with Lady Bird, the world is no longer centered around herself, but around her family. Besides her stands Larry, an affectionate husband and a tender father. Always opening his ears to Lady Bird’s concerns, Larry acts as though he is perfectly fine, urging Lady Bird to fulfill her dreams and bring forth her full potential. Along with the father, best friend Julie Steffans incessantly encourages Lady Bird to reach beyond her limits. Seemingly an unattractive sidekick, the teenager is, in fact, a well-rounded student with innumerable talents of which Lady Bird grows envious. 

The realism is what really differentiates this screenplay from all the other coming-of-age movies. There were multiple aspects that helped the audience connect to the leading character—one of them being curiosity. As curiosity sparks in young adults, they strive to venture new habits, particularly those that are common among the cool kids. Lady Bird gains a similar interest in smoking and sexuality. She aspires to be special in every way possible, as she mentions in her first sexual intercourse with her boyfriend Kyle. Moreover, tired of being a social pariah, Lady Bird leaves Julie, and sets out with popular kid Jenna to vandalize school property. In a Catholic school, the two cover the nun’s car with a sign reading “just married to Jesus”—a slight exaggeration beyond reality. As a matter of fact, these details contributed to crafting a more realistic tenor for the film. 

However, at the same time, several scenes depict the exact opposite of reality—moments that are not easily encountered every day. When Lady Bird loses her virginity, she asserts that her first experience was memorable, because she was “the one on top.” This, in a way, represents her dominance over Kyle, supposedly taking control during the intercourse. These forms of feminism are further present in the McPherson family. Unlike 90s movies in which women are obliged to cook in the kitchen, in “Lady Bird,” both parents are admitted to individual occupations, proving a woman’s worth in society. Even when Larry loses his job, Marion is the one who keeps the financially unstable household going, fighting through the exhaustion of endless work shifts. Thus, this screenplay can be viewed as one of the first youth production illustrating feminism. 

The movie closes with a direct message that lends itself to a satisfactory ending. The emotional link between the audience and Lady Bird remains until the last moment of the screenplay. When asked “What is your name?” for the first time, the young adult replies, “Christine,” accepting her identity. Enrolled in her dream college in New York, Christine reflects and regrets on her past self. Ultimately, she calls Marion reminding her, “Thank you. I love you.” Then driving down the streets of Sacramento alone, Christine begins to fathom the troubling emotions her mother would’ve been faced with. The two mirror one another at last. 

“Lady Bird” can be described as a masterpiece, with hardly any flaws. Not merely any cliché teen comedy movie, this screenplay enables both adult and young audience members to once again reflect on themselves, and perhaps even understand their family members. In other words, the movie helps awaken individuals on the true value of family and friends. Definitely, a beautiful story of appreciation.