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Mistress America (2015)

2015 • 1h 24m • Comedy • R
On October 4, 2026
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All reviews

Reno on Mistress America

8/10 · Apr 4, 2016

A bright, unexpected shift in a somber existence. This marks the second time the director and Greta Gerwig have teamed up. Their collaborations are wonderful; they craft compelling stories and create something special on screen. They’re an unusual pair of filmmakers—very few from the past could be compared to them. It's another quirky comedy, and if you enjoyed 'Frances Ha,' chances are you'll like this one too. I am hoping for a third installment to complete what feels like an "Untalented Girl from NYC" trilogy. It wasn’t quite as strong as their previous work, but it was still thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. I was surprised that some people who liked the earlier film didn’t care for this one. Knowing it would be a lighthearted comedy geared toward women, I didn't expect anything groundbreaking. But like with any movie I choose to watch, I hoped it would be more entertaining than what I had already seen—that's just how most people feel; there will always be highs and lows, some viewers will connect with it and others won’t, but for me, it was really good. Unlike 'Frances Ha,' this film features two lead characters, both young women, though the story is told entirely from the perspective of a college freshman named Tracy. We follow her journey, especially after she meets a girl who becomes her step-sister. Feeling out of place and socially awkward, she finds ways to experience joy and adventure, makes new friends, and connects with people. The film explores how long this unplanned happiness lasts and what changes it brings about in the rest of her life. > "I am so impressed by you and so worried for you at the same time." The storytelling is gentle and straightforward, but the characters are engaging, and the pacing is good, with a series of amusing moments. Beyond writing and directing, the supporting cast was truly outstanding. There's a small twist near the end that’s essential to break up the consistent flow and add some variety. Since then I have been thinking about how it all wraps up, but the transformation felt really excellent—touching, yet as anticipated. This is the most substantial role I’ve seen Lola Kirke in. She was fantastic, and I hope she appears in more films with leading roles. The chemistry between her and Greta was remarkable; there were many memorable and quotable lines exchanged between them. If someone still doesn't like it despite all these strengths, then they must be tired of seeing similar themes explored repeatedly. But that shouldn’t be a reason to criticize it—that would be unfair to the people who made this film. The movie is unique, fun, touching, and heartbreaking, with likable characters and plenty of cheerful moments; overall, it's one of the best films I’ve seen recently. It feels more like a story about friendship, trust, and commitment. The performances are excellent—a demonstration of how life can change in an instant. While I wouldn’t call it a must-see, I personally feel that way about it. 8/10

Source on TMDB