Lady Bird

FilmComedy-DramaA24
Written By Joshua Stanley

Watchability Score

★★★★★★★★★☆☆

Lady Bird is a heartfelt drama directed by Greta Gerwig, released in 2017, focusing on the tumultuous relationship between a teenage girl and her mother, set against the backdrop of Sacramento, California.

 

Mental Health Guide

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🩶🩶🩶🩶

While Lady Bird largely shines in its authentic storytelling, it falls a bit short in its portrayal of mental health. While it touches on themes of identity and familial pressure, it doesn't delve deeply into mental health issues or provide substantial resources for those who might relate to the characters’ struggles. The characters are complex and relatable, but their exploration of mental health isn’t.

 

Potentially Harmful Elements
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  • The film maintains a realistic approach to its characters; however, it doesn’t challenge any mental health stereotypes.

  • There are no glaring inaccuracies with diagnoses or treatments portrayed within the context; it mostly steers clear of magical solutions.

  • There is trivializing of self-harm as a joke rather than as a serious conversation.

  • The film does not imply a direct link between mental illness and violence; it’s more about personal struggle than aggression.

  • There are minimal scenes designed to provoke distress; however, it does touch on emotional turmoil that may resonate strongly with viewers.

  • While some aspects of the protagonist’s character could be seen as quirky charm, it also reinforces deeper issues that are relatable and genuine.

  • This topic is not present in the film, keeping the portrayal relatively safe.

Potentially Helpful Elements
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  • Characters display relatable symptoms of anxiety and self-doubt fitting for their age and situations without being overly dramatized.

  • The story depicts growth and resilience, showing that even difficult relationships can lead to personal development.

  • There’s little focus on seeking professional help, but informal support is shown through friendships, hinting at community care.

  • The bond between Lady Bird and her friends provide an essential support dynamic that showcases healthy relationships, even amidst chaos.

  • The film does an excellent job of portraying diverse characters without stereotyping, making it relatable for many.

  • The lead character exhibits autonomy and agency throughout her journey, making decisions that shape her life direction.

  • The film lacks explicit signposting of resources for viewers, which would have been a helpful addition.

 

Trigger-WarningS

  • Mild Emotional Distress

  • Family Conflict

  • Teen Anxiety

Joshua Stanley

FOUNDER & CEO of LIFESTYLED MARKETING — A filmmaker and photographer by trade, Josh’s focus has always been to communicate clear and compelling stories. As an entrepreneur at heart, his passion is helping new and growing businesses define their brand and build personal connections with their audiences.

https://www.joshuastanley.com
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