aimlessness and delayed adulthood

Her films like 'Lady Bird' and 'Nights and Weekends' intimately capture the uncertainty of youth and the messy transition toward adulthood through naturalistic storytelling.

His 'Before' trilogy and 'Boyhood' meticulously explore how people drift through life without clear direction, wrestling with purpose and meaningful connection.

His films repeatedly examine characters caught in repetitive cycles of aimlessness, failed relationships, and the inability to progress beyond youthful indecision.