It’s taken me a while to write my review of director Noah Baumbach’s latest film Frances Ha because I relate too strongly to the protagonist, played with heartwarming and clumsy honesty by Greta Gerwig. With a few words or details changed, parts of the film mirrored exact moments in my life. Every time I’ve thought about this movie since I’ve screened it, I would spiral into the dark recesses of my brain where self-doubt and insecurity reign free, making it particularly difficult to write about. With that in mind, if you’ve ever moved to a big city to pursue your dreams, you have to watch this movie.
At its core, Frances Ha is a fairly accurate portrayal of the obstacles faced when you’re trying to make it––and it stings. It’s a familiar tale shot in timeless black-and-white, and Baumbach softens some more painful truths with deflected, if slightly forced, laughs. The film explores class, failure, money, ambition, and most importantly, friendship. It’s refreshing to see a female protagonist chase a dream instead of a love interest and to see her heart broken by her best friend instead of a man––after all, it can hurt just as much, if not more.
This darling dramedy is a mere 80-some minutes, but each scene packs an emotional punch, and depending on where you are in your life and career, will leave you full of gnawing existential questions on the inside, but ultimately it’s hopeful. Ambitious, idealistic dreamers will find Gerwig’s France Halladay relatable for generations to come. I just hope it doesn’t mess with their heads as much as it fucked with mine.
Who Should See It: Everyone! This movie charming and funny despite all of its painful truths. If you need to be more specific, people with B.F.A. struggling to get by doing what they love while everyone else around them appears to be “successful” or “happy,” creatives on the verge of growing up in eyes of everyone else
Who Shouldn’t See It: Anyone who has settled
Review by Rebecca An, who has retreated to a dark place. Tell her she will be okay on Twitter at @MsRebeccaAn.
