Women in Film IV + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
Image credit: I Care a Lot official press images
Women in Film continues to be where it’s at for us. It’s what brings us joy and expands our perspectives. In actively pursuing female-centered stories, we not only support one another but also expand our perspective time and again.
Our current favorites for you include heroes and villains and fighters and helpers. They are human and flawed and beautiful. It’s a mix of comedy, drama, documentary, and in between. There are dark and also light options. Take a look and then press play....
DICKINSON
TV Series
Image Credit: Official Show Images
Dickinson is delightful. It’s a witty, thoughtful twist on the classic coming of age story — a smart teen comedy set in vintage times, but with a modern tone. The show stars Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Dickinson and she 100-percent embodies the role. Hailee’s Emily is fierce, stubborn, beautiful, and funny. The show explores gender and societal discrimination towards women, all through Emily’s eyes. Dickinson is at once about a teen girl, an aspiring writer, and a woman fighting to have her voice heard.
Where to Watch: Here on Apple TV
I CARE A LOT
Film
Image Credit: Netflix official movie poster
I Care a Lot is a pitch-black comedy about a con artist named Marla. The great Rosamund Pike plays Marla and carries us through the film, as we watch her take elderly people for all they’re worth. So yes, it’s dark. It’s also captivating and also stars Peter Dinklage, Eiza González, and Dianne Wiest. The director was inspired to make the film after reading about predatory guardians taking advantage of voiceless victims. Rosamund’s Marla is the embodiment of vicious greed and we couldn’t look away.
Where to Watch: Here on Netflix
TRANSPARENT
TV Series
Image Credit: Amazon Prime Video
Transparent debuted in 2014, but we are currently rediscovering the comedy-drama series. The story centers on a very L.A. family as they work through their parent transitioning from their dad to their mom. The show initially starred Jeffrey Tambor as trans woman Maura, though he left the show in 2017 following sexual harassment allegations against him. The focus then shifted to Judith Light’s character, who plays Maura’s ex-wife. We will watch Judith Light in anything she performs, and this is no exception. She elevates the role and story through her subtle, powerful performance.
Where to Watch: Here on Amazon Prime Video
UNORTHODOX
TV Series
Image Credit: Netflix
When a performance hits, it stays with you. Unorthodox is that for us. The German-American drama series stars Shira Haas as Esty, a young Jewish woman who flees her stifled arranged marriage in Brooklyn in exchange for an overseas adventure. The show explores the culture of the ultra-Orthodox and what happens when you reject not only your religion, but your entire way of life. In the film, Esty lands in Berlin and we watch as she discovers the vibrance of secular life, and also the difficulties of her journey. It’s at times exciting and meditative to watch. And Shira is nothing short of brilliant in her role.
Where to Watch: Here on Netflix
(IN)VISIBLE PORTRAITS
Documentary Film
Image credit: (In)Visible Portraits Instagram account
(In)Visible Portraits is a documentary film about healing. The film is centered on Black women’s stories and their spiritual wounds from decades of suppression. The director, Oge Egbuonu, is a filmmaker, producer, yogi, and Black woman. This is her first film, which is stunning in itself. Throughout the film, she interviews Black women from around our country. The women tell powerful stories of racism, sexual violence, and being rendered invisible by society. They also tell stories of joy, triumph, and womanhood. It’s everything and a very worthwhile watch.
Where to Watch: OWN TV Network or Philo
DOLLFACE
TV Series
Image credit: Official series poster via Hulu
When you need a comedy, turn on Dollface! The series stars Kat Dennings, Brenda Song, Shay Mitchell, and Esther Povitsky. Kat plays the central character, Jules, who works as a web designer at a wellness company called Woöm. So you are already sold on the show, yes? Yes. Dollface follows Jules as she is newly single and trying to reconnect with the women in her life. It’s funny and smart and heartwarming -- all things inspiring to watch.
Where to Watch: Here on Hulu
ONE MISSISSIPPI
TV Series
Image Credit: Amazon Prime Video
One Mississippi is another comedy series, this one semi-autobiographical of its star, comedian Tig Notaro. Tig is honest and funny and wise in everything she does, including this series. The show, directed by Diablo Cody, follows Tig as she returns to her hometown in Mississippi and explores family and her past.
Where to Watch: Here on Amazon Prime Video
A Fresh Abby Yemm playlist for you…
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