It is Women’s History Month, so it is the perfect time to focus on some of the best women out there, real or fictional. When it comes to movies this month, what is shown is sometimes lacking. How many years are we going to watch the “Barbie” movie and call it a day?
Though Greta Gerwig is a fantastic director who also created “Little Women” and “Lady Bird,” which are fantastic movies in their own right, there are other films created by other women that do deserve attention.
“Waitress”
A beautiful, Southern and sweet way to start off would be to mention “Waitress,” a 2007 indie film that most people know of because of the musical adaptation. I’d argue that the movie is just a bit better, though both are incredible. “Waitress” follows Jenna, a talented pie baker, as she finds out that she is pregnant with her miserable husband’s baby. The film follows her and her friends as she navigates falling in love with her doctor and escaping her husband. It is a quirky and warm movie that is so easy to fall in love with.
“Crossroads”
Friendship is always a little messy. Here’s a film about three friends who haven’t talked in a long time as they go on a road trip across the United States, searching for what’s next for them. Starring Britney Spears, Zoe Saldaña and Taryn Manning, “Crossroads” is a fun and grounded film about leaving childhood and reaching new shores.
“Rosaline”
Everyone knows the tale of “Romeo and Juliet,” one of the most famous love stories of all time, but there is one character often forgotten about from Shakespeare’s play: The girl Romeo was in love with just a few hours before, Rosaline. In a hilarious and snarky twist for the great tragedy, Rosaline tries to stop Romeo and Juliet from ruining their lives.
“Jane Austen’s Period Drama”
In the same spirit of turning iconic love stories on their heads, Oscar-nominated short film “Jane Austen’s Period Drama” is an absolute riot. A parody of all of the Jane Austen films we love so much, this short film is a period drama in more ways than one.
“Mr. Malcom’s List”
As “Bridgerton” season 4 has just ended, here is a film that has the same charm and drama. “Mr. Malcom’s list” follows two friends, Selina and Julia, as they navigate the marriage mart. Slowly creeping toward spinster status, Julia is trying her best to find a suitable husband. But when Selina catches the eye of Mr. Malcolm, a man who has rejected almost every woman, including Julia, she sets out to break the perfect match.
“Priscilla”
Sofia Coppola is truly one of the greatest directors of this century, and she is known for her films’ aesthetics and her ability to portray the experiences of womanhood. Her most recent film, “Priscilla,” is another shining jewel in her collection. Adapting Priscilla Presley’s memoir, “Elvis and Me,” Coppola evokes the trials of being a teenage girl who just happens to be dating the biggest star in the world. With fantastic performances from Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, the famous couple comes to life with Sofia Coppola’s poetic touch.
“Bodies Bodies Bodies”
Sapphics and horror always go well together. “Bodies Bodies Bodies” is just one of those quintessential Gen Z movies that everyone has to watch eventually. With chaos and rich kids around every corner who wouldn’t want to be stuck in a house with a killer during a deadly storm?
“Love Lies Bleeding”
Another iconic sapphic movie, “Love Lies Bleeding” is perfectly wild and full of 80s aesthetics. The film follows Lou, the estranged daughter of a crime family, as she falls in love with Jackie, a bodybuilder set on achieving greatness. But all dreams have a cost, and when Jackie begins taking steroids and Lou’s father begins to make appearances, things turn for the worst.
“The Love Witch”
For those girls who may be a tad strange and off-putting, or for those who dabble in witchcraft, this one is for you. The beautiful but deadly witch Elaine moves to a new town after the demise of relationship. While there, she finds new friends — and new relationships — that turn out not in the way you’d think.
“The Testament of Ann Lee”
The newest film on the list, “The Testament of Ann Lee” is an absolutely enthralling masterpiece, and one of the greatest biographical films to come out in the past decade. With a powerhouse performance from Amanda Seyfried, one cannot help but be drawn in by the story of a woman who leads a Christian group called the Shakers, known for their dancing and singing to excess. The filming of this piece is incredible, and with the choreography and singing on top, it is truly something to behold.
No matter what kind of movie or show you love, there is always something that is not only about women, but created by women. To find stories that truly speak to one’s experience seems like a rarity, but if you just look around, it’s right there waiting for you.
