thesmythley I first learned about this film from a cinema booklet. It was advertised as though it would be focused solely on the dysfunctional relationship between mother and daughter, which would have a sprinkling of nuanced tragi-comic humour.Instead it is another "coming of age" story. This means that you get the same tired old formulas: a male friend who turns out to be struggling to come to terms with his homosexuality, an obnoxious boyfriend and a "Ladybird" (the vainglorious main character) who is a typical misfit that tries desperately to appear important by having sex and almost going to house parties. However, she realises that pretending to be cool is just not cool and the mother-daughter bond faces some kind of reconciliation towards the end through a teary and cliché note. As with all coming of age stories the scenes often give a self-indulgent nudge and a wink to the audience that what has happened is so relatable and witty because "we've all been through it", which often feels forced. The only thing that was funny was the PE teacher, who appears very briefly when he takes over drama class.Ultimately, I think that there are too many characters and an over realiance on witticisms which meant that there was a lack of emotional depth that I was looking for. It was a depressing watch.

zellyblue Please allow me to explain my rating system. If it is an independent film I give it five stars to start. If it is directed by a woman I add a star. If it is directed by a woman of color or written by women of color I add a star. If it is directed by a woman I add a star. If it Is directed by or by a written by a woman of color I add another star. Content matters. Anything concerning class,race, gender discrimination, trans gender discrimination , class discrimination, social issues discussed in a meaningful way, anything that passes the Bechtel test I give another star or two. Unfortunately this film was disappointing to me but I can see its appeal to others who have never seen a movie or a film that addresses anything meaningful. I have been watching independent films for decades. So this is a generous seven. Unfortunately in the previews I saw the funniest scene, talk about a spoiler, given away in the first two minutes of the film. The rest was a snooze fest. Still, congrats to everyone. No insults intended to anyone.

andrewkilroy This film is an amazing movie. It explores the troubles of growing up and all the challenges along the way. The acting, directing, and writing were spectacular. Saoirse Ronan should've won the Oscar. The this amazing coming-of-age film. It's funny, sad, and heartbreaking.

jesskayfem I feel like female lead movies are more intelligent when they are actually written by females. Love this movie so much.