Let me make it clear, I'm not some hipster bragging about knowing bands before they were cool. But I have been a devoted fan of Greta Gerwig for over a decade, just saying. And now, she's about to pop off in a big way, surpassing even the critical acclaim of Lady Bird or Little Women. The whole world is finally going to see what I've known all along: Gerwig is more than just the queen of mumblecore.
With her distinct artistic style, she brings a certain energy and wit to every project, whether in front of or behind the camera. Her work is genuine, free from pretension, and has an undeniable charm. She's become an auteur in her own right, breaking away from the typical mold of old, white male directors. Now after the smashing success of Barbie let’s take a moment to appreciate her other incredible work.
The Dish & The Spoon (2011)
Gerwig brings a ridiculous amount of raw and chaotic energy to this one alongside Olly Alexander. It’s about two people who find comfort in each other's company despite their own pain. Trust me, it's a powerful film that shows the incredible healing in simply being there for another person.
Credit: Actress
Streaming: Free on The Roku Channel, VUDU Free, Tubi TV, Popcornflix, and Pluto TV
No Strings Attached (2011)
Back in 2011, there were two films that delved into the realm of noncommittal hookups. One of them stars Natalie Portman, and you guessed it, Greta Gerwig who takes on the role of the quirky sidekick.
Credit: Actress
Streaming: Free for subscribers of Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel; For purchase on Google Play Movies, YouTube, Microsoft Store, AMC on Demand, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Vudu, Redbox, DIRECTV
Damsels in Distress (2011)
There is charm to be found in this film that follows a clique of girls on a mission to uplift their fellow students through unconventional means. It's a light and enjoyable movie, with some slightly problematic undertones.
Credit: Actress
Streaming: For purchase/rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, and Vudu as download or rent it on DIRECTV online.
Lola Versus (2012)
The film is a complete mess of hookups, complicated relationships, and close-knit friendships which gradually unravel into a series of separations, reconciliations, and emotional upheavals. And right at the heart of it all is Lola. The now Emmy-nominated Ebon Moss-Bachrach also joins in on the fun.
Credit: Actress
Streaming: For purchase/rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand
Frances Ha (2013)
When it comes to Greta Gerwig's acting, I must say that this film is truly her pièce de résistance. It's just that good. The story hits close to home for anyone who's been broke and feeling lost, yet still chasing their dreams, especially in their late twenties. It's intelligent, and charming, and captures the vibrant spirit of New York City in a truly charismatic way.
Credit: Actress-Writer
Streaming: Free for subscribers of Netflix, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, Criterion Channel, DIRECTV, Netflix Basic with Ads, or for free with ads on Tubi TV.
Mistress America (2015)
A college freshman forms a surprising connection with her soon-to-be stepsister that leads to a wacky New York City adventure. Gerwig is an absolute riot and the level of magnetism she brings to this role is just off the charts.
Credit: Actress-Writer
Streaming: For purchase/rent on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV, AMC on Demand
Lady Bird (2017)
This one strikes a chord with anyone who has had a complicated relationship with their mother or daughter, be it in the past or present. Saoirse Ronan's depiction of teenage angst is so spot-on, it's like revisiting your own emo days. This film also marks Greta Gerwig's directorial debut, and she just rocks it.
Credit: Director-Writer
Streaming: Free for subscribers of fuboTV, Paramount+ with Showtime, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, Showtime Roku Premium Channel, Paramount+ Roku Premium Channel, Showtime Amazon Channel, Showtime, and DIRECTV.
Little Women (2019)
One day, your children will come to you in complete awe and ask, “How on earth did they manage to assemble such an incredible cast with Saoirse Ronan, Laura Dern, Meryl Streep, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Bob Odenkirk, and Timothée Chalamet?” And you know what your answer will be? Simple: Greta Gerwig.
Credit: Director-Writer
Streaming: Free for subscribers of Starz Apple TV Channel, Starz Roku Premium Channel, Starz, DIRECTV, and Starz Amazon Channel.
White Noise (2022)
Get ready for the second on-screen collaboration between Greta Gerwig and Adam Driver (the first being “Frances Ha”). This time, they team up in Noah Baumbach's ambitious adaptation of Don DeLillo's award-winning novel of the same name.
Credit: Actress
Streaming: Free for subscribers on Netflix and Netflix Basic with Ads.
Barbie (2023)
You already know what's up with this one. Even if you have never had the pleasure of playing with Barbies yourself, this film is for everyone. The hype is definitely real. And FOMO (fear of missing out) is no laughing matter, so don't sleep on this Barbie party, my friend. By the way, if you really want to dive deep into Barbie culture, be sure to check out “Barbie Nation.”
Credit: Director-Writer
Theaters: July 21, 2023 Â (will stream on Max by the end of the year)
Final Thoughts: Greta Gerwig Movies
Greta Gerwig is the real deal. She's not just a committed actor but also a comedic genius, a brilliant writer, and a visionary director. And we can only assume her next projects will offer more of the same boss-level cinema that Gerwig always delivers. She's well on her way to becoming everyone's favorite multi-hyphenate. Mark my words!
