20th Century Women (2016)

A glimpse at a time in history, and a family upbringing that only Mike Mills knows. 20th Century Women is a unique little film, with a unique perspective of a matriarchy. It comes across as a split between a San Francisco "Zine" and a Noah Baumbach comedy. It explores the concept of what it means to be a better man, and how to learn how to be one in a house with no father. But visually speaking, Mills keeps it vivid, exuberant and fun. He authentically captures California in 1979, the punk-rock scene and early stage feminist movements. Ironically enough, this film premiered weeks before our modern day feminist movement took shape. Great performances define this film as well, notably Anette Benning. Standouts include Elle Fanning and Greta Gerwig as a pink haired hipster who not coincidently resembles Lady Bird. On another note, If you ever wanted to hear the best discussion of menstruation ever put on film, 20th Century Women has it. That's no easy task.