It’s easy to become a little bored and sceptical of the many independent films that deal with characters experiencing their quarter-life crisis (see, for example, Ghost World and Lost In Translation). And although they are by no means bad, at first glimpse it would be understandable to dismiss Frances Ha, directed by Noah Baumbach, as simply one of these hip going nowhere films. For a coming of age film, Frances Ha definitely goes somewhere, despite lacking a conventional or dramatic plotline.

Frances Halliday (Greta Gerwig) is a 27-year-old dancer who finds herself alone after her best friend, Sophie (Mickey Sumner), moves out of the apartment they shared together. In an unfortunate series of events, Frances is soon left in a terribly contemporary dilemma: without a home, a solid career, or a relationship to fall back on. The film follows the twists and turns of Frances’s impulsive lifestyle, as she figures out where she’s supposed to be and how she’s going to get there.

Frances Ha is packed with lovely, honest details, which are shown particularly through the close friendship between Frances and Sophie. There are also some truly un-relatable moments, including a spontaneous, and slightly clichéd, decision to run away to Paris for the weekend. Overall, however, Frances Ha is a wonderful, light-hearted snapshot into the chaotic life of a young woman who must face the instability of growing up and the loneliness that comes along with it.

Set over the backdrop of New York, and stylistically all in black and white, Frances Ha provides a bright and optimistic portrayal of the city, reminiscent of Woody Allen’s Manhattan. Teamed with a bold soundtrack, and a solid performance from Gerwig, Frances Ha is easily one of the coolest and most charming films of the year.

Vineeta Sehmbi