Mistress America Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A college freshman exploits her soon-to-be stepsister’s chaotic life for writing material, only to realize that being interesting doesn’t pay the bills.

🍿 Mistress America: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Tracy’s Freshman Year and Meeting Brooke

Tracy Fishko, a lonely and somewhat pretentious college freshman at Barnard, struggles to find her place. She dreams of joining the prestigious Mobius Literary Society but faces rejection. Her mother suggests she connect with her soon-to-be stepsister, Brooke, a vibrant and seemingly successful 30-year-old living in New York City. Tracy is initially skeptical but decides to reach out. Brooke immediately captivates Tracy with her energy, ambition, and seemingly glamorous lifestyle. Brooke shares her many ideas, including a plan to open a unique restaurant called “Mom’s.” Tracy begins to see Brooke as a muse and starts writing a short story about her, titled “Mistress America,” inspired by Brooke’s larger-than-life personality and aspirations.

Brooke’s Financial Troubles and the Trip to Connecticut

Brooke’s restaurant plans hit a snag when her boyfriend withdraws his financial support. Desperate, Brooke and Tracy visit a psychic, who suggests Brooke seek help from an old friend. Tracy interprets this as Mamie-Claire, Brooke’s former friend who allegedly stole her T-shirt design idea and married her ex-fiancé. This leads to an impromptu trip to Mamie-Claire’s home in Connecticut, accompanied by Tracy’s classmate Tony and his possessive girlfriend, Nicolette. The visit to Mamie-Claire’s luxurious home turns chaotic. Brooke confronts Mamie-Claire about the past, and tensions rise as Brooke attempts to pitch her restaurant idea. The situation is further complicated by the strained relationships between the characters, and Tracy begins to see Brooke’s life and dreams as increasingly fragile and unrealistic.

The Fallout and Reconciliation

The trip culminates in a series of revelations and confrontations. Tracy’s short story is read aloud, revealing her critical portrayal of Brooke, leading to a major falling out between them. Brooke feels betrayed and hurt by Tracy’s depiction, and their newfound connection appears to be shattered. Adding to the turmoil, Tracy learns that her mother’s wedding has been called off, officially severing the connection between her and Brooke. As Thanksgiving approaches, Tracy, still feeling lost, finds Brooke packing to move to Los Angeles. Brooke reveals that she received some money from Mamie-Claire and is considering going to college. The film ends with Tracy inviting Brooke to Thanksgiving dinner, suggesting a fragile but hopeful reconciliation and a recognition of their mutual needs.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Brooke (Greta Gerwig): A whirlwind of energy and ambition, Brooke is a thirty-year-old New Yorker constantly chasing dreams but struggling with follow-through.
• Tracy (Lola Kirke): An isolated college freshman at Barnard who finds inspiration and material for her writing in her soon-to-be stepsister, Brooke.
• Tony (Matthew Shear): A fellow student at Barnard and friend of Tracy’s who becomes entangled in the chaotic lives of Brooke and Tracy.
• Nicolette (Jasmine Cephas Jones): Tony’s possessive girlfriend who becomes jealous of Tracy’s friendship with Tony.
• Mamie-Claire (Heather Lind): Brooke’s former friend and nemesis who allegedly stole her t-shirt idea and married her ex-fiancé.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tracy: “I’m so impressed by you, and so worried for you at the same time.” – Tracy says this to Brooke, capturing her mixed feelings of admiration and concern.
• Brooke: “I should probably just get a medieval disease, so my parents would have to give me money.” – Brooke’s dark humor when facing financial problems.
• Brooke: “New York isn’t the New York I used to know. There’s too much construction.” – Said when Brooke explains why she is moving to Los Angeles.
• Tracy (Narrating): “Being a beacon of hope for lesser people… is a lonely business.” – The closing line of the movie, reflecting on Brooke’s role in Tracy’s life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8 million
• Domestic Gross: $2,500,431
• Worldwide Gross: $3,341,063

💥 Mistress America Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Mistress America! The dialogue is so sharp and witty, it had me laughing out loud. Greta Gerwig is fantastic as Brooke, a character you can’t help but root for, even when she’s making questionable decisions. I also found myself really connecting with Lola Kirke’s character, Tracy, and her journey of self-discovery. The whole movie felt so real and relatable, especially the scenes in New York City. The visit to Connecticut felt so manic and crazy! It really made me think about my own friendships and how we all influence each other.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s previous collaborations.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy witty and fast-paced dialogue.”
  • “Those interested in stories about female friendships and coming-of-age experiences.”
  • “Anyone looking for a quirky and unconventional comedy-drama.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual references”
  • “Drug use (marijuana)”
  • “Some mature themes related to ambition and failure.”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Baumbach and Gerwig create a whip-smart, self-aware comic-drama. The patter between characters is rapid-fire, and the movie excels at showcasing the dynamic between the two leads.
• The A.V. Club: “Mistress America feels very honest in its exploration of the thorniness that comes with admiration. The film is a refreshing change of pace, focusing on the relationship between a young woman and her soon-to-be sister-in-law.
• Variety: “This movie stands out because of its stellar performances, especially from Gerwig and Kirke. With its witty dialogue, it captures the awkwardness of finding your place in a new environment.

Audience Reactions

Viewers enjoyed the rapid-fire dialogue and witty banter between characters.: The performances of Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke were praised for their authenticity and charm.

Many viewers found the film relatable and appreciated its exploration of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.: The film’s portrayal of New York City and college life was well-received for its realism.

Overall Consensus: Mistress America is a witty and charming comedy-drama praised for its sharp dialogue, strong performances, and relatable characters. It offers a unique perspective on friendship and self-discovery.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Noah Baumbach said that While We’re Young (2014) & Mistress America (2015) are ‘sort of siblings’.”
• “Greta Gerwig co-wrote the film with Noah Baumbach, her partner, contributing to the witty and fast-paced dialogue.”
• “The film’s soundtrack features 80’s synth-pop, creating a nostalgic vibe, with songs like ‘Souvenir’ by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mistress America?

As of October 2024, Mistress America is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mistress America, you might like these similar films:

• Frances Ha (2012): Another collaboration between Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, exploring the life of a young woman in New York City with similar themes of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.
• While We’re Young (2014): Also directed by Noah Baumbach, it explores generational differences and the anxieties of aging, sharing thematic similarities with Mistress America’s exploration of ambition and failure.
• Manhattan (1979): Directed by Woody Allen, captures the complexities of relationships and intellectual life in New York, with a similar comedic and introspective tone.
• Lady Bird (2017): Directed by Greta Gerwig, explores the coming-of-age of a young woman with a strong sense of self, similar to Tracy’s journey in finding her identity.

🛒 Mistress America Related Products

• Greta Gerwig Collection [Blu-ray]: Own a collection of movies featuring Greta Gerwig, capturing her indie film spirit and comedic timing. This is a must-have for fans.
• Vintage New York City Movie Poster: A stylish poster capturing the iconic New York City, reminiscent of the movie’s setting. A timeless piece to showcase your love for the film.
• Personalized ‘Mistress America’ Inspired Journal: A customizable journal with a movie-inspired theme, great for aspiring writers to jot down their thoughts and ideas. Features custom quote options.
• ’80s Synth-Pop Compilation Album: A collection of classic synth-pop tracks from the 1980s. It includes artists and songs that capture the movie’s nostalgic musical essence.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mistress America features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Souvenir” – performed by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark
• “Gold Lion” – performed by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• “Dazzle Ships (Invert)” – performed by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke Discuss Mistress America | Sundance 2015 Interview

Ever wondered what Greta Gerwig and Lola Kirke thought about Mistress America during Sundance? This interview gives you a sneak peek into their excitement and thoughts about the film. I found it super insightful to see their initial reactions!

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