'Mistress America' review: Delightful comedy proves growing up isn't always easy
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach's latest collaboration "Mistress America" (expanding to theaters nationwide Aug. 28) is an affectionate and hilarious swipe at the arrogance of youth and those struggling through the transition from young dreamer to adult -- all of which is driven by its self-involved, energetic whirlwind titular character.
In short: Lonely college freshman Tracy (Lola Kirke) reaches out to her soon-to-be stepsister Brooke - an impetuous and free-spirited jack-of-all-trades (but master of none). (Watch the trailer)
"Mistress America" was a my third favorite film of the 50 movies I caught during this year's Seattle International Film Festival in large part to its sharply insightful script and Brooke, who may end up being one of the single best cinematic characters of 2015. The only aspect of Brooke that's bigger than her personality is her radiant confidence. Brooke effuses an excess of charisma and charm -- and her eclectic and adventurous life opens of the eyes of isolated Tracy.
Although "Mistress" is fundamentally Tracy's story, Brooke is the key ingredient in making this uproarious and grounded/wackycomedy work. Brooke is the catalyst for the narrative and the crackling engine of this hilarious coming-of-age/arrested development comedy. While "Frances Ha" is still Gerwig-Baumbach's cinematic apex (for now), "Mistress" realizes their most fleshed out and captivating character to date. But Gerwig & Baumbach's greatest achievement in crafting Brooke is creating a character who, taken at face value, is not a very likable woman -- then somehow making her the most endearing character in the film.
Both Kirke and Gerwig benefit from a sharp and witty script packed with rapid-fire dialogue that varies between astute, irreverent and self-aware. The two leads split duties, with Kirke commanding her character's voiceover insights and observations of Brooke while Gerwig deftly executing a keenly hilarious comedic character.
Final verdict: "Mistress America" is highlighted by a particularly strong/hilarious performance from Gerwig and a pointedly funny script -- both of which beautifully accentuate this story's undercurrent of pathos and melancholy about growing up.
Score: 4/5
"Mistress America" screened during the 41st Seattle International Film Festival and expands to theaters nationwide Aug 28. This indie comedy is rated R for language including some sexual references.
