Lady Bird is that rare coming-of-age film that feels like it was made by someone who actually remembers what being 17 was like—awkward, earnest, cruel, hopeful, all at once. It's not a teen movie in the sanitized Disney+ sense; it's got sex, swearing, and teenagers making legitimately bad choices.

But here's the thing: it's also one of the most insightful films about the mother-daughter relationship you'll find, and it treats its Sacramento setting and working-class family with genuine respect and specificity. The Safety score tanks it for younger viewers, but for older teens who are actually navigating these waters? This could be genuinely valuable viewing.

The WISE score of 68 reflects that tension: it's enriching and well-crafted, but the R-rated content means it's not for the general Screenwise audience. If you've got a 16-17 year old, especially one heading toward college or dealing with complicated family dynamics, this could be the rare movie that actually sparks a real conversation. Just don't expect it to be comfortable—the best parts are where it gets messy.