Frances Ha (2012)

Director: Noah Baumbach
Stars: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Adam Driver
Runtime: 86 minutes

Synopsis: A New York woman (who doesn't really have an apartment) apprentices for a dance company (though she's not really a dancer) and throws herself headlong into her dreams, even as the possibility of realizing them dwindles.

Performances: 5/5
Screenplay: 4/5
Editing: 4/5
Cinematography: 4/5
Score/Soundtrack: 5/5

Verdict: Directed by Noah Baumbach, "Frances Ha" follows the title character, played by a tremendous Greta Gerwig, in a journey of dream-chasing, love, and self-discovery.

The film, which is shot in black and white, is light, funny, quirky and very easy to fall in love with. Frances is an immensely relatable character that will most definitely put a smile on your face, and it becomes quickly apparent that no other actress could've played her better than Gerwig, who in addition to starring, co-wrote the script with Baumbach. The dialogue is one that reminded me vaguely of the quirky ones featured in movies by Wes Anderson, with whom Baumbach has collaborated with in the past, but never to the point where it feels like a rip-off. The interactions are entertaining, the chemistry between the characters is very much alive, and the soundtrack definitely helps elevate the upbeat narrative.

"Frances Ha" is certainly worth checking out. It really is a quick and fun watch that will cheer anyone up. I'm very much looking forward now to Baumbach and Gerwig's next collaboration, which is apparently going to be a live-action Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie (?!).

FINAL GRADE: 8/10