Does the world need another coming-of-age story with a mother/daughter conflict? – When the director and cast are this talented, the answer is yes. Saoirse Ronan (24), in the title role, made her searing debut in Atonement. Schoolmates are played by Lucas Hedges (21) and Timothée Chalamet (22), outstanding in Manchester by the Sea and Call Me by Your Name, respectively, Beanie Feldstein (24), a TV comedy child star recently graduated to the Broadway stage, and Odeya Rush (20), forging a precocious career since immigrating to the US as a pre-teen. Watching this film is witnessing tomorrow’s potential greats up-close and personal.

But this is also an opportunity to discover the unconventional outsider Laurie Metcalf (62), Oscar-nominated Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Lady Bird’s mother. Greta Gerwig (34) is herself no stranger to WFC regulars, who have savoured her performances in Frances Ha, Maggie’s Plan and 20th Century Women. After numerous collaborations, mainly as co-writer with her life partner Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale), this is Gerwig’s first solo full-feature film.

“Gerwig has called Lady Bird a love letter to Sacramento, where she grew up, and she bathes the city in a golden, pre-dusk light — a testament to the mixed feelings many of us have for the places that made us, the towns you only realize you love when it’s time to leave.” Lara Zarum, The Village Voice

Nominated at 90th Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay (Gerwig), Best Actress (Ronan), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Metcalf)Winner at 75th