I had just dyed the ends of my hair pink when “Lady Bird” burst onto the scene. That’s not of much importance, I just thought it was ironic. I was a little worried everyone was thinking I was being a basic indie try-hard, trying to associate myself with the newest comedy-drama. Now having seen “Lady Bird,” I would consider it a great compliment if someone made the connection.

Set in 2002, “Lady Bird” follows Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) as she transitions into her senior year at a new (Catholic) high school, focusing primarily on the relationship between her and her mother, Marion (Laurie Metcalf).

The first shot sets the tone, showing Lady Bird and Marion asleep in a motel bed. The two are traveling back to their hometown, Sacramento, after a college visit. The drive was long enough that the two finished the entirety of “The Grapes of Wrath” on cassette.

As soon as there isn’t anything to fill the void, Lady Bird and Marion begin arguing. When Lady Bird feels she has enough, she unbuckles her seatbelt and exits the car…while it’s moving.

Despite her now-broken arm, Lady Bird dives right into the routine of her new school. Amidst running for office, making new friends, participating in the musical, going to concerts, applying for colleges and scoring a cute boy or two, Lady Bird gets by with the support of her mother.

While I do “feel” a lot of movies, I don’t think I’ve ever related to a movie more than I have with “Lady Bird.” I see a lot of myself in Lady Bird, both the bad and better parts of myself.

The story and its delivery are so carefully crafted, you really feel like you’re in the hands of someone who knows what they’re doing. Greta Gerwig has proven herself as both a writer and a director in her debut feature. I will be sure to see any other movies she makes.

I’m bitter that Ronan didn’t win best actress for her performance as Lady Bird. While Ronan is not an 18-year-old, she believably portrayed what it’s like to be an adolescent on the cusp of adulthood. Metcalf was also fantastic in her performance as Marion McPherson, a mom just trying to do her best for her family.

Lucas Hedges, who plays Danny (one of Lady Bird’s love interests), has grown up so much from his role as the Redford in Moonrise Kingdom. Just last year, he got his first Oscar nod at age 20, so expect him to be a major player in Hollywood in the next couple years. Also, if you aren’t trash for Timothée Chalamet yet, his role as Kyle will turn you. Just let it happen. Just let it happen.

Also, a special shout-out to Sam Levy, the cinematographer, has been reserved. This movie is so beautiful. It looked like a Wes Anderson film, but without the persnickety symmetry in every shot. He’s stated in interviews that he wanted the film to look like a memory, and that surely translates. A lot of muted tones, a good use of natural sunlight, and varied compositions make Lady Bird a spectacle to behold.

Now, hopefully that was enough to convince you to watch this movie. I’m going to go re-dye my ends pink.

Overall rating: 9/10