Overview
A whimsical exploration of dreams and friendship in the heart of New York City.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- witty
- restless
- sincere
- lazy sunday
- indie film night
What critics said
Critics broadly embraced the film's sensitive direction, endearing Greta Gerwig performance, stylish monochrome imagery, and daring portrayal of female friendship despite its drifting narrative.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film is digitally shot in black and white, drawing on the visual tradition associated with Manhattan and other stylized New York pictures.
Frances and Sophie move from intense best-friend intimacy through estrangement and toward renewed connection.
Frances pursues dance and independence with infectious lightness while lacking stable housing, career security, and clear direction.
Frances moves through apartments, dance spaces, and social circles across New York while trying to establish an adult life.
Films like Frances Ha, and why
Manhattan
shared black and white urban style, witty coming of age perspective, and emotionally complicated female friendship
The 400 Blows
shared francophile influence, youthful drifting, playful romantic energy, and french new wave sensibility
Drinking Buddies
shared mumblecore-adjacent naturalism, bittersweet friendship dynamics, and awkward young adult self-discovery
Mistress America
shared female friendship focus, witty urban dialogue, and bittersweet transition into adulthood
Movie Details
- Director
- Noah Baumbach
- Release Date
- 2013-05-17
- Runtime
- 86 min
- Rating
- 7.3 / 10 (1873)
Cast
- Greta Gerwig
- Mickey Sumner
- Michael Zegen
- Adam Driver
- Charlotte d'Amboise
- Patrick Heusinger
- Michael Esper
- Grace Gummer
- Josh Hamilton
- Maya Kazan
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Frances Ha about?
- An exuberant aspiring dancer stumbles through New York adulthood while trying to preserve a profound friendship and find a life that fits her dreams.
- What is Frances Ha like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Frances Ha as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Frances Ha violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Frances Ha.
- What did critics think of Frances Ha?
- Critics broadly embraced the film's sensitive direction, endearing Greta Gerwig performance, stylish monochrome imagery, and daring portrayal of female friendship despite its drifting narrative.
- Which films are like Frances Ha?
- Films with a similar feel include Manhattan, The 400 Blows, Drinking Buddies, and Mistress America.
- How long is Frances Ha?
- Frances Ha runs 86 minutes.
- Where can I watch Frances Ha?
- In United States, Frances Ha streams on Netflix, Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now.
