20th CENTURY WOMEN (2016) ★

This movie cares admirably about its characters--but it loves its performers. I can't remember the last film I saw that loves its performers this much, that gives them this much to work with while also giving them ample room to breathe. 

Other things this movie loves: records, dancing, laughter, books, ideas, complications. Honors those complications (and the underlying ideas) by choosing (for the most part) to end scenes on moments of everyday irresolution and ongoingness instead of tidily hitting the nearest available sentimental beat. All in all this is a great thick slice of capital-H capital-A Humanist Art, served up with enviable confidence and abundant technical panache.

[letterboxd link]