Before you start reading this review go look up “Mia & Sebastian’s Theme” and let that play while you read. Now… the reason you came here, my review of this film. I will begin by saying this is a movie musical, so if that’s not your thing this may not be for you. But, if you’re open to giving it a shot, you won’t regret it. Not only are the costumes, sets, and music phenomenal but they’re all so very intentional. There was not a single detail oversight when creating this world for us to step into. As for the story line… I give it a 10/10. I can’t give you much else because I’d hate to spoil any second of this experience for you, but I’m not exaggerating when I say this is one of the best movies to come out of the 2010s.

If you’re a 2000s baby I’m sure you remember those silly movies that are so star studded you can’t possibly imagine how huge the budget is for a movie like this. Think movies like “Valentines Day”, or “New Years Eve” (wait why are they all holiday related…?), well, He’s Just Not That Into You follows a similar landscape. The movie follows several intertwined story lines that explore the tricky nature of dating, being engaged, and married. If you happen to be hopelessly and also shamelessly searching for love, you will likely relate way too much to the main character Gigi and this movie may only make you even more hopeless. I think this is the perfect re-watchable movie, and so so perfect for a girls night.

This movie explores so many sensitive topics in a way that feels really authentic and personal to its audience. If you’ve yet to read this book or see this film, I’ll insert a trigger warning here: topics of depression, anxiety, ptsd, and abuse are explored throughout this film, watch at your own discretion. Although much of this movie can feel really heavy with sad undertones, there is also a lot of self-realization and growth that happens throughout the movie that allows it feel really well rounded and exploratory. This movie could easily be categorized as sad or “depressing”, but I think something about it just feels human. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this film for any young audiences, as mentioned earlier there are some complex topics involved, but I do recommend the film to anyone who will listen.

I’m absolutely in love with anything and everything that Greta Gerwig creates and Ladybird is no exception. This movie explores the complexities of growing up yearning for bigger things, and yearning to be different. Pair that with the complexities of a mother daughter relationship most young girls can relate to and you’ve got one of the best coming of age storylines (it helps that I loveeee Saoirse Ronan and Timothee Chalamet). I personally watched this movie for the first time in my junior year of high school and was so captivated I accidentally skipped all my online classes to keep watching (shoutout covid).

I’m not sure I have words to describe how incredibly gut wrenching this movie is. I don’t want to get into any details, so as to not spoil the movie for you, but if you’re expecting a feel-good movie DO NOT WATCH. This is the movie I come back to every time I need a really good cathartic release of emotions because I know no matter how many times I see it, it will always do the trick. Aside from it’s heartbreaking ending though, the movie is also filled with so many charming wholesome feel-good moments (which truly only make the ending that much sadder). Emilia Clarke is just so charismatic, quirky , and loveable in this movie, and once again Sam Claflin delivers a great performance as the male lead.  

This movie is so 2000s and so much fun. The only reason it gets 4.5 stars is because the cute rom com magic comes with a side of “stop wishing to grow up because you’ll never get your childhood back”, that made me want to cry for all the times I took my childhood for granted. If you love a good friends to lovers/ second chance trope you’re guaranteed to love this movie. Watching Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo play this sweet wholesome pair of friends who just so happen to be in love will have you wishing you also met your soulmate as a child.