Greta Gerwig‘s talents in indie cinema take center stage in a Thanksgiving movie that often escapes notice: “Mistress America.” As the season arrives, this Greta Gerwig Thanksgiving movie stands out for viewers seeking a fresh, emotionally rich take on the holiday and college transition stories.
A Noteworthy Collaboration Before Mainstream Fame
Before moving onto grand productions with bigger budgets and global stars, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach worked closely together, co-writing and starring in a series of independent films. Their movies, including “Frances Ha” and “Mistress America,” brought a unique voice to the indie scene. Gerwig, now recognized for her directing achievements with “Little Women” and “Barbie,” collaborated with Baumbach—a filmmaker whose work frequently receives recognition from the Criterion Collection—on these earlier projects, cementing their creative partnership.
With Baumbach’s Oscar-contending projects such as “Jay Kelly” and Gerwig’s upcoming “Chronicles of Narnia” for Netflix, the pair has become household names in Hollywood. Yet, years before these high-profile ventures, they perfected their craft in films like “Mistress America,” which quietly marked its tenth anniversary and continues to resonate with audiences during the fall season.
Reframing Thanksgiving Viewing Traditions
Many Thanksgiving audiences revisit standard titles like “Planes, Trains and Automobiles,” but after so many repeats, options for nuanced holiday films seem limited. “Mistress America” offers a refreshing alternative, skipping exaggerated family chaos in favor of witty, emotionally charged dynamics set in the prelude to Thanksgiving. The film finds much of its narrative in the autumn weeks leading to the holiday—beginning with Tracy, portrayed by Lola Kirke, as she embarks on her first semester at Barnard College in Manhattan.
Tracy, whose divorced mother is marrying again over Thanksgiving, enters a world of subtle social challenges rarely captured in campus movies. Her mother urges her to befriend Brooke, her future stepsister, played by Greta Gerwig. Brooke is navigating her own complex life in New York, balancing ambition and insecurity while trying to launch a restaurant venture. Through Tracy’s keen observations—often documented in her writing as she seeks entry to Barnard’s literary scene—the film teases out themes of aspiration, identity, and generational tension with subtle, precise humor.
The Holiday’s Presence and Emotional Resonance
“Mistress America” spends just minutes of screen time on Thanksgiving Day itself, including a glimpse of Tracy at the iconic Macy’s parade. Despite the brief depiction of the holiday, the film masterfully captures the emotional terrain experienced by college freshmen facing their first return home. The movie explores the shift between late-teen uncertainty and the adult ambitions reflected in Brooke’s eccentric energy.
Tracy’s sense of not quite belonging isn’t grounded in nostalgia for high-school friends—indeed, it’s suggested she never had many. Instead, her discomfort and longing stem from an eagerness to transform herself at college, a yearning mirrored in Brooke’s determined efforts to secure stability and purpose.
if I could just figure out my look, I’d be the most beautiful woman in the world
—Tracy, Character
An Unconventional Thanksgiving Adventure
The film’s narrative shifts as Brooke reconnects with Mamie-Claire, her former friend and current nemesis, played by Heather Lind. Together with Tracy and two college friends, they venture to a suburban Connecticut home, hoping to find support for Brooke’s restaurant endeavor. This segment delivers screwball energy and fast-paced comedy, fused with underlying family tension and the abrupt transitions of young adulthood.
Baumbach and Gerwig’s writing and tight editing enhance the film’s tempo, allowing punchlines and awkward moments to land with precision. In scenes where time doesn’t march forward in neat increments, the storytelling underscores how change can be disorienting yet revealing for both Tracy and Brooke.
Gerwig’s Performance: A Standout Role in Her Career
Lola Kirke, known as the sister of Jemima Kirke from “Girls,” brings authenticity to Tracy’s character. However, it’s Gerwig’s portrayal of Brooke that commands attention. Early in her acting career, Gerwig delivered here what might remain her most distinctive lead performance. Brooke exudes a blend of confidence and self-doubt, openly defensive about lacking a college degree—a contrast to many other Baumbach characters.
The film’s dialogue is laced with poignant, funny moments about social media and the oddities of the mid-2010s, many of which still feel current today, even as the references become artifacts of an earlier digital age.
Just a quick tweet on Twitter,
—Brooke, Character
Nate dropped a gram on Instagram. That means picture.
—Brooke, Character
Stop talking about Twitter, it’s so awkward!
—Tracy, Character
Sharp, Timeless Dialogue and Generational Reflections
The screenplay is famed among fans for lines that feel insightful a decade later, capturing both the generational divide and universal anxieties about self-definition and connection. Brooke’s eccentric observations and Tracy’s critical wit fuel scenes that remain memorable long after the film ends.
Where is this old-person morality coming from?
—Character, Mistress America
The combination of high-energy editing, crisp writing, and performances from Gerwig and Kirke produces a film that stands apart from typical holiday fare. Its unusual atmosphere and comedic timing offer a fresh lens through which to view both Thanksgiving and the tricky process of defining adulthood.
The Lasting Importance of “Mistress America”
As Thanksgiving approaches, “Mistress America” deserves a place among must-see holiday movies, especially for those seeking a Greta Gerwig Thanksgiving movie outside the ordinary. The film’s depiction of transition, aspiration, and awkward familial bonds will resonate with viewers navigating their own milestones. Its emotional honesty and sharp humor make it a standout for the season, reminding audiences that authenticity and wit can be as central to Thanksgiving as turkey and tradition.
