Another important factor to the film's authenticity is the relationship between Lady Bird and her parents. If that were to the fail, the whole movie would come crumbling down. Laurie Metcalf, who many probably know from the TV sitcom Rosanne, absolutely sells the role of Lady Bird's mother. The way in which she visually communicates the inner workings of the character are flawless. You can just see the sadness, joy, and fear in her eyes when she realizes her girl is grown up and is about to leave the house, and its these aspects of the performances — all of which are solid — that keep pulling you into the film.

Gerwig sets the tone of the mother/daughter dynamic from the very first scene. The pair are on a trip back from looking at a college. Both become sentimental over the conclusion of The Grapes Of Wrath on audiobook, tearing up slightly before erupting into a disagreement about staying in California for college versus going to New York. Right away, we are introduced to their subtle similarities and obvious differences. When the argument escalates to the point where Lady Bird feels the need to toss herself out of a moving car, it becomes apparent that they’ve had this argument so many times. This brand of subtle touch leaves its beautiful fingerprints all over this film, adding to its realism and, in many cases, its comedy.