Strengthened by a sophisticated autobiographical screenplay, the film's poignant and warmly amusing scenes capture an enriching spectrum of resilient personalities in 1979 Santa Barbara, CA.
Mike Mills' lovingly detailed dramedy 20th Century Women may tread familiar territory in terms of its coming-of-age narrative that's been poured over countless times; yet, its bright, expansive scope and attentive, erudite ear define the complex relationships of a non-traditional family in 1979 Santa Barbara, California, as a remedy to watered-down female characterizations typically relegated to ancillary plots and the creeping male gaze.