Frances Ha

Frances Ha is an enchanting, black-and-white indie movie released in 2012 marked with the stellar performances, especially from actress Greta Gerwig. The film was directed by Noah Baumbach, who co-wrote the script with Gerwig, and it emanates the unique energy and charm that has since become synonymous with their distinct storytelling style. The title of the movie seems cryptic at first. However, as the story unwinds and the character of Frances starts to unfurl on screen, viewers understand the profound relevance and depth that these two simple words carry.

Featuring a talented ensemble cast, including Mickey Sumner and Adam Driver, Frances Ha is a culmination of well-wrought, authentic performances that bring to life a truly lived-in world. The narrative feels almost autobiographical and genuine, infused with a natural comedy that exposes the rawness of the characters' lives.

Greta Gerwig shines in the lead role as Frances, an aspiring dancer who is as exuberant and youthful as she is directionless. A twenty-something girl living in New York City, Frances epitomises the struggling artist, caught between a dying dream and the ever-mounting pressures of adult life. Frances dances through life, both metaphorically and literally. However, her world is turned upside down when her best friend and roommate Sophie, played by Mickey Sumner, decides to move out.

Sophie and Frances share a bond as tight as any romantic relationship, and Sophie's departure sends Frances spiralling into an existential crisis. Viewers peep into the most intimate corners of this friendship, infused with a sense of realness amplified by the chemistry between Gerwig and Sumner. Sophie's choice propels the plot, instigating the journey of self-discovery that Frances finds herself embarking upon.

One of the movie's major triumphs is the portrayal of the city that never sleeps - New York City. While it forms the film's backdrop, it’s more than just a setting. The city's spirit is felt through its bustling streets, soaring skyscrapers and the sense of struggle and tenacity it inspires in its residents. It mirrors the tumultuous and uncertain journey of young adulthood Frances embarks upon, with its highs, lows and all their messy, exhilarating bewilderment.

Adam Driver plays Lev, Frances’ new roommate, bringing his distinctive charisma and irresistible charm to the story. His character is part of Frances' new world—a world that can't quite replace Sophie, yet manages to offer an unfamiliar comfort. The dynamics between Frances and Lev create moments of heart-warming friendship, juxtaposing Frances’ fear of change and her need for constant companionship.

Frances Ha stands out in its genre due to its ability to articulate the troubles of the millennial experience without falling into the common clichés. It not only explores the chaos fueled by financial instability, professional stagnancy and high-pressured expectations but also highlights the importance of relationships in shaping our lives. It's a story about friendship, about dreams, about life choices, and a testimony to the notion that sometimes, one needs to lose their way profoundly to figure out the path they want to tread.

The film’s mesmerising black-and-white cinematography feels like an homage to classic cinema while also establishing an aesthetic unique to Frances Ha. Shots of Frances gleefully sprinting down streets or circling through dance routines with her infectious vitality become almost symbolic of her roller-coaster life.

Despite its intricate plot, the film maintains a breezy, casual vibe, largely due to Baumbach's crisp direction and Gerwig's charismatic screen presence. Frances' wit, her naivety, and, at times, outlandish sense of humour, portray a character that's imperfect, yet endearing. She isn’t just a character; she is every young woman trying to splice her dream into the reality of the adult world.

The screenplay also features some beautifully crafted dialogues, brimming with humour and wisdom beyond the character's years, striking a balance between poignant seriousness and laugh-out-loud humour.

On the whole, Frances Ha encapsulates a relatable tale of a dysfunctional but relatable millennial, lost in her crowd of dreams and doubts, while also humorously capturing the trials and tribulations that come with friendship, ambition and growing up. It is a film that will leave viewers introspecting and thoroughly entertained. Its charm lies in its simplicity, carrying a universal appeal that transcends cultures and continents.