Mistress America: Movie Review

Writer/director Noah Baumbach teams us once again with his “Greenberg” and “Frances Ha” star Greta Gerwig for the sharp and incredibly funny “Mistress America”. I wasn’t much of a fan of “While We’re Young” which came out earlier this year, which was also written and directed by Baumbach. Although it had its moments, “Mistress America” is a far better example of what the filmmaker is capable of.

Tracy (Lola Kirke) has just moved to New York City, starting her freshman year at college. Having a hard time fitting in, Tracy does make a friend in Tony (Matthew Shear) a fellow writing major who can be just as socially awkward as her. Unfortunately Tony’s new girlfriend, Nicolette is the jealous type.

When Tracy’s informs her that her soon-to-be step sister, Brooke (Gerwig) lives in the City as well, the two wind up spending quite a bit of time together. Brooke is an adventurous city girl who happens to be the life of the party wherever she goes. Tracy is just happy not to be lonely anymore, and when Brooke’s boyfriend breaks up with her and pulls out of backing her restaurant, the pair take a trip with Tony and Nicolette to visit her ex, Dylan (Michael Chernus) and his wife Mamie-Claire (Heather Lind), who happens to be Brooke’s former best friend. The intention is to get them to invest in her business venture, since Brooke feels Mamie-Claire owes her for stealing a successful business idea in the past.

“Mistress America” works not only because of the excellent writing from Baumbach, but the cast is stellar here, especially Gerwig who is a scene stealer. My favorite scenes in the film take place at the home of Dylan and Mamie-Claire and the whole thing feels like you are watching a stage play. Fans of sharp, witty, and original comedy, should definitely check this one out.

By: Marc Ferman