Frances Ha (2012)
The celebration of French New Wave is shamelessly evident from the very first second. It is close to being overindulgent, but holds up none the less. Because it not a generic pastiche of that style, but brings it up to the new century and the mumblecore movement. Also fun to view this in the light of Gerwig’s later own production with Lady Bird, as they explore similar themes, just basically with someone 10 years older. There is a lot of trying to fit in, finding yourself, moving on and all that. Frances may come off as a bit immature, but the reality is that people deal with these things from childhood to their old days in some form or another.
Criterion Challenge 2026 - 39. The Best Movies of the 21st Century
Rating: 3.5