A24 A-to-Z: #58. "Lady Bird" (2017)

Scene from Lady Bird

In case you didn't know, A24 is one of the great purveyors of modern cinema. Since 2013, the studio has found a way to innovate independent cinema by turning each release into an event. As a result, A24 A-to-Z will be an ongoing series that looks at every release from the studio by analyzing its production history, release, criticisms, and any awards attention that it might've received. Join me on a quest to explore the modern heroes of cinema by exploring every hit and miss that comes with that magnificent logo. They may not all be great, but they more than make A24 what it is and what it will hopefully continue to be for ears to come.

Long Shot Week: Best Picture - "Lady Bird"

Scene from Lady Bird

Welcome to the first Long Shot Week, where I will attempt to persuade you to think outside of the Oscar box. While it's too late to change voters' minds, I believe that audiences need to take a moment to look at the other contenders in any category and give them a chance. Long Shot Week is designed as a way to highlight these talents that likely don't stand a chance of winning, but more than deserve a chance to be appreciated for what they bring to the game. In a way, this is my list of "Films that should've won," though it's not always indicative of my favorite. Join me all week as I look at different categories and pose the question "Why not?" in hopes that The Oscars still have a few surprises up their sleeve.

"Lady Bird" is Officially the Highest Rated Movie on Rotten Tomatoes

Saoirse Ronan in Lady Bird

For those who haven't heard, director Greta Gerwig's film Lady Bird is good. If you trust my opinion, I would say it's best of the year good. Many people have been clamoring onto it in recent weeks, and it has gained some serious traction during awards season as well with many predicting a third Oscar nomination for lead Saoirse Ronan. For those that don't believe the phenomenon of this indie darling, one simply needs to check the box office and critical stats. Lady Bird has grossed over $10 million without playing yet on more than 800 screens. As of today, it also is the highest rated film in Rotten Tomatoes history. Some may disagree on how good it actually is, but the numbers have given it a rare achievement, and one that is worthy of celebration.

Review: "Lady Bird" is a Funny, Touching Ode to Youthful Doubt

Scene from Lady Bird

Lady Bird is a rare achievement. It's a movie about what it means to be Catholic in the 21st century. While there isn't a shortage of films in which God is prayed to (see also: Silence), director Greta Gerwig has tapped into something personal to uncover a more accurate reality. These aren't people who live their life by the church, but whose faith is so indebted to their identity that it informs every small decision they make, including the familiar teenage rebellion. Lady Bird, played by Saoirse Ronan, is about to finish high school with dreams of going to a New York liberal college. With fraught relationships to her parents, she finishes the last year of school with a series of memorable experiences. They may not be the most overt faith-based details in any recent film, but they feel the most truthful. Lady Bird is a film that understands how youth and identity plays into the bigger picture, and Gerwig's excellent debut is all the better for it.