Ladybird by Greta Gerwig

Context

Ladybird is an indie, drama film directed by Greta Gerwig that was released in 2017. The film is based on Ladybird, who is in her senior year of high school trying to navigate her future as well as her relationships and individuality. Through Gerwig’s screenplay, she illustrates the themes of individuality, peer pressure and economic struggles along with some others. The film, Ladybird, may help you recognise your own struggles and inspire you to improve them.

Individuality and authenticity

In the film Ladybird, a theme that is present from the start to the end is the individuality and authenticity of Ladybird. Christine “Ladybird” McPherson starts to discover her own identity throughout the film, questioning her name, relationships and place in the world. The audience watches Christine as she tries to create an original individuality to make her seem cool. She changes her name to Ladybird, dyes her hair pink and strives to befriend the ‘popular kids’. These attempts to change herself and in her eyes ‘better’ herself result in Christine finding her true authentic self.

The psychological theme of identity is often found through experimenting which is shown by the film. Finding your true authentic self is a universal experience of many adolescents going into adulthood. Individuality is a very important concept to society as it means that everyone brings something new into the world. Being true to yourself is also very important as pretending to be someone you’re not is very tiring. Masking your true identity has become very common in our society as people try to befriend people they think are cool or cover their emotions. However, do you really want to be around people who cannot accept your authentic self?

Peer Pressure

When growing up, friends have a huge impact on your choices, relationships and values. This is evident in Ladybird as she tries to conform to societal norms due to her peers’ views. It is obvious that Ladybird goes to all lengths to try to fit in with her other classmates. This is clearly shown when Ladybird lies to Jenna, one of the ‘cool kids’, about where she lives. She doesn’t want Jenna to know that her family struggles financially and instead tells her she lives in a wealthy house on 44th street. Another example of peer pressure in the film is Ladybird’s pursuit Kyle, who fits the image of a cool boyfriend. She seems unsure of her relationship with Kyle and feels like she cannot be her true authentic self around him. Her relationship with Kyle ends up feeling not genuine as it was influenced by peer pressure compared to emotional connection.

Peer pressure comes in many different forms and is very common among teens. Teens often feel the need to conform and fit into the group of people they are surrounded by, which can lead to them giving in to peer pressure. Peer pressure is rooted into our brains psychologically as being left out gives us feelings of anxiety, self-doubt and depression. These feelings can lead to us buckling under the weight of peer pressure which is why saying no to peer pressure is so difficult. This psychological theme of peer pressure is very relevant to teens today as the tempting feeling of acceptance from peers becomes more common.

Economic struggle

Dreams and aspirations are a huge element of the film Ladybird as she hopes to attend a school full of culture. However like many students applying to college Ladybird has a financial strain to where she can and cannot apply. Ladybird’s financial struggles are visible from the start of the film as her father loses his jobs. From that point on Ladybird’s mother emphasizes the importance of applying to colleges close to home as they are the most affordable ones. However Ladybird ignores this recommendation and applies to East Coast colleges with financial aid alongside her father’s help. This economic struggle limits Ladybird on where she can go due financial aid and scholarship opportunities for her. Unfortunately many people struggle financially when applying for college, this can make you give up your dreams and aspirations. No one should feel that they have to give up their hopes just because of their family’s economic background.

(Ladybird, Greta Gerwig)

I thought this film was very relatable as a teen in our modern society as it includes many important themes of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Ladybird had an exquisite story with great cinematography which helped emphasise the themes of individuality, peer pressure and economic struggles. I think anyone who can or did once relate to these themes will really enjoy the film as it will help them admire the person they are now.

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