Mistress America

Mistress America is a significant entry into the filmography of director Noah Baumbach, and his frequent collaborator, Greta Gerwig. This independent comedy-drama was released in 2015 by Fox Searchlight Pictures, and showcases the talented ensemble cast including rising star, Lola Kirke, and Shana Dowdeswell, on par with Gerwig's standout performance.

The storyline focuses on the lives of two women in New York City, who form an unlikely alliance shaped by their individual aspirations, shared experiences, and inevitable obstacles. We follow the journey of a freshman college student, Tracy Fishko, played by Lola Kirke, who finds herself struggling to adapt to her new environment in a competitive university, while also trying to materialize her ambitions of becoming a writer. Tracy's loneliness and frustration resonate with viewers thanks to Kirke's profound performance, adding layers of depth to an already intricate character.

The turbulent life in NYC takes a peculiar turn when Tracy is introduced to her soon-to-be stepsister, Brooke, a thirty-something whirlwind of ideas and impulses, immaculately portrayed by Greta Gerwig. Brooke is an embodiment of New York's vibrant energy and youthful spirit, a stark contrast to Tracy's initial apprehensions about the city. She is portrayed as a restless soul with countless unrealised dreams, which includes starting her restaurant. The infectious enthusiasm and charisma of Gerwig's character open up a new world for Tracy, inspiring her to instigate a significant change in her life.

Brooke's larger-than-life personality, her vivacious spirit, and eventful life instigate Tracy to draw inspiration from her for her short story. She begins to document their unpredictable escapades around the city, that breathes life into her previously uninspired writing. There's also a compelling performance by Shana Dowdeswell, whose character, Nicolette, constructs another key relationship that influences the course of events.

The narrative unfolds under the steady hand of Baumbach, who perfectly captures the essence of a youthful mid-life crisis and the complexities of modern relationships while encapsulating New York's pulsating spirit within the cinema frame. Baumbach and Gerwig, who co-wrote the script, offer a compelling exploration of themes such as friendship, ambition, identity, and maturation, woven within the engaging storyline.

Mistress America also delves into the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters with affectionate humor and sparkling wit. The conversations are quick, the scenes fast-paced, and the character development organic. This is reflected further in the cleverly crafted script that germinates humor naturally from the situations, rather than resorting to forced comedy.

The two leading ladies, Gerwig and Kirke, deliver memorable performances with solid chemistry. Their individual character arcs are a testament to their acting prowess, where they not only light up the screen but also bring warmth to their meaningful interactions. Gerwig's performance is particularly noteworthy, taking to the screen with an air of effervescence backed by a bittersweet hint of melancholy hidden beneath her dynamic spirit.

The original score by Dean Wareham and Britta Phillips blends flawlessly with the mood of the film, adding to the overall aesthetic of the cityscape backdrop. The songs not only elevate the narrative but also become a part of the story themselves. The cinematography, by Sam Levy, is punishingly realistic, creating a genuine atmosphere that resonates with the rhythm of the characters' lives.

In conclusion, Mistress America is more than just a comedy-drama; it is an intricate exploration of contemporary womanhood, aspirations, and the trials and tribulations associated with it. It's a beautifully crafted love letter to New York City, scribed with the ink of sparkling humor, wit, and a profound depiction of human relations. It’s a deep dive into the world of writing, with an underlying narrative about the thin line that exists between being inspired by people and using them for personal gain.

As a cinematic experience, Mistress America captivates with its humorous quirks, soulful narrative, and seamless performances by the cast. It's a modern-age dramatic comedy that perfectly encapsulates the essence of independent filmmaking. A must-watch for anyone who enjoys witty comedy infused with the raw essence of spontaneous life.