Critic’s Pick: ‘Frances Ha’ is quirky, delightful family affair

A delightful summer quirk can be found in the new comic drama “Frances Ha.” Shot in black and white and filled with nuance, the film is directed with great affection by Noah Baumbach, who wrote it with his star — actress Greta Gerwig. Frances is a few years past college and still trying to make her way in New York. She’s already struggling to afford the apartment in trendy Brooklyn when her best friend and roommate Sophie (Mickey Sumner) announces she’s moving out. While Frances’ fortunes take a nose-dive, Gerwig makes it all rather charming. The comedy is both situational — nearly everything Frances tries turns out badly — and physical. Gerwig has a distinctive style, always a beat behind everyone else. It’s a slight story and Frances’ arc isn’t terribly deep, but it’s a great deal of fun to watch her scramble. During a stop off in Gerwig’s real hometown of Sacramento, her real parents, Christine and Gordon, step in to play Mom and Dad. It makes “Frances Ha” feel very much like a family affair.