Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott in “Bottoms” (2023) Tribune Content Agency
Although the first half of March has already come and gone, there are still a few weeks left to celebrate Women’s History Month. For busy students and screen addicts alike, here are five women-centered films to watch instead of mainstream male-dominated media.
- “Lady Bird” (2017)
Any Greta Gerwig movie would make a fine addition to this list, but there’s no better place to begin than her directorial debut.
Starring Saoirse Ronan, “Lady Bird” follows a young girl in early 2000s Sacramento as she learns to navigate the rough transition into adulthood and forge a bond of deeper understanding with her mother.
It’s a classic coming-of-age story set against a nostalgic backdrop of California sunshine.
“Lady Bird” can be rented on Amazon Prime Video.
- “A Wrinkle In Time” (2018)
A masterful adaptation of the novel bearing the same name, “A Wrinkle In Time” tells the fantastical story of Meg Murry, the daughter of an acclaimed astrophysicist.
Along with her brother and best friend, Meg travels the universe under the guidance of magical Misses (played by Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, and Oprah Winfrey) as they search for her missing father.
A visual treat with themes of accepting yourself above all else, the film is a childhood classic come to life with a welcomed modern twist.
“A Wrinkle In Time” can be streamed on Disney+.
- “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” (2019)
In terms of gifts the French have given us, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is second only to the Statue of Liberty.
Honestly, even that can be debated. I’ve never been to New York, so I know where I stand.
The film is a devastating queer romance set in the late 18th century across a sprawling landscape. The plot follows a bride-to-be and a young painter hired to paint her portrait.
The picturesque cinematography is enough reason to watch, but the love story is one for the ages.
“Portraits of a Lady on Fire” can be rented on Amazon Prime Video.
- “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022)
A perfect mix of absurdist humor and existential philosophy, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” deserved every award it won.
One woman, one million lifetimes, all wrapped up in a beautiful lesson about loving what you have rather than wondering about what you don’t.
Michelle Yeoh and Stephanie Hsu both give masterful performances as the multiverse mother-daughter duo, cementing this film as a must-watch.
“Everything Everywhere All at Once” can be streamed on Netflix.
- “Bottoms” (2023)
Most of the time, women’s stories are forced to be introspective and serious. They have to speak to a higher purpose or jab at long-standing societal issues.
But where is the space in Hollywood for women to just have fun? Enter “Bottoms,” the second feature-length film from director Emma Seligman.
Headlined by rising stars Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott, “Bottoms” is a lesson in camp and female empowerment.
The film never takes itself too seriously, leaving room for everyone watching to let themselves relax and just laugh.
“Bottoms” can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
For those who no longer have the attention span for a full movie, there are endless female writers, actresses, and directors to support this March and year-round.
Peruse Sofia Coppola’s filmography. Check out Celine Song’s amazing debut, “Past Lives.” Scroll through your favorite streaming platform and search for female-led stories in whatever genre you like best.
Media has been dominated by men for centuries. This is not to say that men’s stories don’t matter just as much, but film studios have disproportionately produced more “Oppenheimer”s than “Barbie”s.
Remind yourself that women’s stories matter during every month.
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