Frances Ha: A movie about female friendship in black, white and shades of gray
Mickey Sumner and Greta Gerwig in Frances Ha
Female friendship is often misportrayed in movies, films and books–probably because of its complexity. After all, when it comes to “the rules” about making, keeping and ending friendships, things are never black and white. That’s why I was thrilled to see Frances Ha, a new indie film that takes a look at a friendship between two women in their late-20s.
The story follows 27-year-old Frances and her best friend Sophie, played by Mickey Sumner. The two women meet as students at Vassar and decide to live together in New York City after graduation. Like many of their generation, they hit the ground at a time when good jobs and affordable apartments are equally impossible to find. Their first apartment in so small that they share the same bed—although their platonic friendship is so close that it doesn’t seem to bother them.
The women accept one another’s idiosyncrasies, with psyches so intertwined that they seem to be able to finish each other’s sentences. When they are apart or involved with other people, their cell phones are a virtual umbilical cord tying them together with texts and calls. Like lovers, they end conversations saying, “I love you.”
Even with short snippets of words, they seem to connect and understand one another. “We’re the same person, different hair,” says Frances, in an effort to explain their relationship to others.
The rest of my review of Frances Ha appeared on the NBC Universal website Life Goes Strong.
Take a peek at the trailer here:
Category: KEEPING FRIENDS
