There's no denying the change in Noah Baumbach since he found Greta Gerwig as his muse. His films have become less acidic in tone, and certainly they have a youthful energy that has not only invigorated him, but also been a boost to her career. It can be felt in his last two films, Frances Ha and While We're Young, and it noticeable once again in Mistress America.
A screwball comedy about young women trying to make it in New York City, Mistress America centers on a struggling college freshman played beautifully by Lola Kirke, who connects with her fast-living socialite stepsister played with impeccable comic chops by Gerwig. Here's the synopsis:
In MISTRESS AMERICA, Tracy (Lola Kirke) is a lonely college freshman in New York, having neither the exciting university experience nor the glamorous metropolitan lifestyle she envisioned. But when she is taken in by her soon-to-be stepsister, Brooke (Greta Gerwig) – a resident of Times Square and adventurous gal about town – she is rescued from her disappointment and seduced by Brooke's alluringly mad schemes.
Mistress America hits theaters on August 14th, and look out for my interview with Gerwig and Kirke next week.
