NYFF54 Day 9: Generation Gaps and Colossal Misunderstandings Make for a Wonderful '20th Century Women'

From left, Lucas Jade Zumann, Greta Gerwig, Annette Bening, Elle Fanning and Billy Crudup in "20th Century Women." Photo courtesy of A24.

BY VW

ESSENTIALLY, "20th Century Women" is an epic love story.

Two people love each other. Their love is severely tested. Their love stands the demands of myriad trying circumstances, emerging stronger than ever. The end.

Those are the broad outlines of Mike Mills' dramedy, which has its world premiere tonight at the 54th New York Film Festival.

The cast is headed by Annette Bening, who portrays a character MM said he based on his Depression-era born mother, and Lucas Jade Zumann.

They are a Depression-era born mother and teenage son in Santa Barbara, Calif., circa 1979, whose sudden inability to relate to each other endearingly, archly and humorously unfolds amid a backdrop of feminist ideology, punk rock, teen angst and neo-sexual experimentation. And in a rambling, early 20th century house that is under perpetual renovation.

Visit http://www.filmlinc.com to learn more about the 54th New York Film Festival, including showtimes and venues.