Frances Ha

The romantic and professional travails of 20-something dancer Frances are detailed in this winning serio-comic saga. Set in the heart of Big Apple bohemia, it's filmed in black and white in a knowing tribute to Woody Allen's Manhattan. Writer/director Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Greenberg) shows no little ambition in encouraging such comparisons, but his film is indeed a triumph, blissfully combining spot-on humour and genuine insight. Much of the credit goes to leading lady and co-writer Greta Gerwig, who turns in a career-defining performance as the bumbling yet endearing Frances. With her flatmate and one true best friend (played with real spark by Mickey Sumner, daughter of rock star Sting) about to move out, it's crunch time for the embattled heroine. Yet, as she careens between embarrassments and faux pas, Gerwig ensures that we're always rooting for her. Telling musical accompaniment from David Bowie, French soundtrack composer Georges Delerue (and even Hot Chocolate!) add allure to a film that's well aware of its own hipness, but never too cool to laugh and cry.