This year at the Toronto International Film Festival, there are quite a few films that might pique the interest for a variety of reasons. One film, “Lady Bird,” is of particular interest because, firstly, it looks pretty damn good and, secondly, it has Greta Gerwig making her solo directorial debut.
Gerwig is currently best known as an actor and writer, though she did co-direct “Nights and Weekends,” so she’s not technically a neophyte. Still, the fact that she is writing and directing sans any kind of training wheels is notable, especially considering she’s handling one of Hollywood’s up-and-coming-yet-already-established actors, Saoirse Ronan, who you might know from her Academy Award-nominated performances in “Atonement” and “Brooklyn.”
“Lady Bird” follows Christine McPherson (Ronan), a high-school senior from Sacramento who is eager to spread her wings and fly. Here’s the synopsis from TIFF:
Christine McPherson (Saoirse Ronan, also appearing at this year’s Festival in On Chesil Beach) — affectionately known and self-proclaimed as Lady Bird — is an ambitious, bright, and precocious high school senior. Longing to break free of suburban Sacramento, she dreams of a different life full of east coast skyscrapers, Ivy League universities, and cosmopolitan culture.
With modest grades and no alumni connections to speak of, Lady Bird needs extracurriculars to beef up her college applications. Joining the drama club leads to new friends (sometimes at the expense of old ones), first loves, and a social life in full swing. Dealing with her critical mother and succeeding at math do not come as easily. With her dad recently laid off, her mom working double shifts as a nurse, and her brother and his girlfriend — Berkeley grads — working at the supermarket, she is keenly aware that post–high school life is no walk in the park. Old enough to appreciate what she has, but not always mature enough to show it, sometimes she just wants to go shopping for her prom dress rather than putting her clothes away.
In addition to Ronan, the cast includes Tracy Letts, Laurie Metcalf, Timothée Chalamet, who you might have seen earlier this year in his breakout role in “Call Me by Your Name,” and Lucas Hedges, who received an Academy Award nomination for his work in “Manchester by the Sea.” All in all, it’s a solid cast.
“Lady Bird” opens November 10th.