Born in Marin County, California, she is an accomplished American director, writer, and actress renowned for her distinctive storytelling style. She began her career as an actress before shifting to directing, gaining prominence with her debut film "The Diary of a Teenage Girl" (2015). Her work often explores complex emotional landscapes, as seen in films like "Can You Ever Forgive Me?" (2018) and "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (2019). Her direction is celebrated for its empathy and nuanced character portrayals.