One of my goals for 2022 has been to consume more women-centric content. Lucky for me, there are record amounts of women being represented in the entertainment industry, both behind and in front of the camera! These are just a few of the movies I have watched recently with strong female leads. Let me know in the comments any other movies where women take center stage... Happy watching!
1. The Lost Daughter
This film is a psychological drama about the struggles of motherhood and femininity. It is a very honest and real look at the plight of women. The main character, Leda, is played by Olivia Coleman (hello, The Crown!) and Jessie Buckley - the story unfolds through flashbacks. It also highlights a very intriguing character, Nina - played by Dakota Johnson - who forces Leda to relive traumatic moments from raising her daughters. This story is so important because it shows a realistic portrayal of women as not necessarily being reliable, maternal and static characters. They can be wild, unpredictable and dynamic characters, just like anyone else.
My favorite line of the movie: "I am an unnatural mother."
Where to watch: Netflix
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2. Don't Look Up
This dark comedy is a giant motif for societal ignorance in the age of COVID-19. That is, if COVID-19 was hurtled at Earth not in the form of a pandemic, but as a larger-than-life comet. It follows PhD candidate Kate Dibiasky - played by Jennifer Lawrence - on a mission to alert the world of the end times. However, she is faced with many challenges such as corrupt politicians, tech companies monetizing the situation and an unreliable mentor who is swept up in the ways of Washington. On top of having a star-studded cast - Leo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill and Ariana Grande, to name a few - the story is equally entertaining and frustrating.
My favorite line from the movie: "We really did have everything, didn't we?"
Where to watch: Netflix
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3. Being the Ricardos
Being the Ricardos is the dramatization of the life of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. It follows the week of the infamous Walter Winchell radio broadcast in which he accuses the most-loved woman in America of being a member of the communist party. This turns out to be not altogether untrue, however, during the time of the "Red Scare," it would cause major problems for the starlet and her career. This mockumentary paints Lucille Ball in a real light and nothing like her fictionalized character in "I Love Lucy." It portrays Lucy as an extremely intelligent, thoughtful woman who is good at reading others and analyzing situations. She has her own views and is uncompromising.
My favorite line from the movie: "Don't f*ck with the Cuban."
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
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4. The Fallout
This one is hard to watch... in the best way. It follows a high-schooler named Vada and her struggle with PTSD after her school and classmates fall victim to a student shooter. It is one of the most real portrayals of teenagers in today's society and tackles many themes such as loss, love, sexuality and mental illness. It highlights a very present danger and reiterates the cycle of gun violence in America today. The ending makes you want to scream at the top of your lungs: "WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS?"
My favorite line from the movie: "It doesn’t necessarily mean someone’s being dramatic just because they’re emotional."
Where to watch: HBO Max
5. Last Night in Soho
This is a psychological thriller based in London. The main character Eloise is plagued by unusual dreams that turn her into a singer from the 60s named Sandie. At first the dreams are fantastical, as Eloise has experienced all of Sandie's sensations. However, the dreams get more and more alarming, until finally Eloise experiences Sandie's murder. Convinced that these dreams are actually visions from the past, Eloise goes mad trying to solve Sandie's murder.
My favorite quote from the movie: "If I could live any place and any time, I’d live here, in London. In the sixties."
Where to watch: Rent on Amazon Prime Video
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