It's easy to see a predecessor to _Lady Bird_ in _Mistress America_, even though it wasn't solely Greta Gerwig's undertaking; her creative influence is apparent throughout. Noah Baumbach co-wrote and directed the film, which centers on Tracy Fishko (Lola Kirke), a freshman starting at Barnard College in New York City. The predictable feelings of isolation that come with being a new student appeared rapidly, prompting…

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…

It's a fitting portrayal of a personality that feels like a bonfire—drawing people in with an intense glow, only to ultimately burn them up and leave nothing behind, focused entirely on itself and reshaping everything around it. The writing is excellent, the actors are appropriately selected, and they all deliver solid performances. Nevertheless, I didn't find this narrative concerning the character, coming-of-age ex…