So, whether you have been living in a cave or just haven’t heard the recent stats, Hollywood has a problem, and that problem is sexism. In 2014, the Center for Women in TV and Film found that only 7% of the top films were directed by a woman, and only 23% of people behind the scenes were women. These numbers are simply abysmal and sadly are not really improving, either. However, there is something that you can do. Watch more female-created content! And to make this easy for you, I’ve complied a list of six brilliant female-directed films on Netflix right now.
- Somewhere dir. Sofia Coppola
This movie is quiet, subtle, breathtaking, and heartbreaking at the same time. Coppola wrote and directed this film about a famous actor who suddenly has to be a real father after his daughter’s mother leaves. The film takes place almost entirely in the historic Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles. Somewhere really resonates on the loneliness of fame despite having people around constantly. Ultimately, this film has a lot of little moments in it that show how hard it is to be both a father and a daughter and the ways they work to understand each other just a bit better.
2. Electrick Children dir. Rebecca Thomas
Thomas creates an extremely intriguing film about a fundamentalist Mormon girl, Rachel, who immaculately conceives after listening to a rock song. The film follows the girl and her brother as they escape their strict household and discover the bright night lights of Las Vegas. Electrick Children is an unconventional film, weaving in questions of incest while still allowing Rachel to grow steadily on her own outside the confines of her religious community.
3. The Punk Singer dir. Sini Anderson
The Punk Singer is a documentary that follows Kathleen Hanna, lead singer in Bikini Kill, and the head of the 90s “riot grrrl” movement. Hanna is an extremely interesting subject. Not only has she been in multiple punk bands, but is also an outspoken feminist who intensely tried to stop sexism from inside the punk scene. She had to stop playing music due to her late-stage Lyme disease, but her message is still appreciated throughout punk music today.
4. Clueless dir. Amy Heckerling
So much has been said about this teenage classic, but needless to say, it is still funny to the core. Based on Jane Austen’s Emma, the movie revolves around popular girl Cher and her shallow shenanigans and attempts at matchmaking. Watch for the epitome of 90s fashion, a young Paul Rudd, witty dialogue (“You’re a virgin that can’t drive"), and excellent performances from the whole cast. You might even be surprised how this film is about silly teenagers, but also about the power of popularity, class distinctions, and how one’s intentions can often go awry.
5. The Kids are Alright dir. Lisa Cholodenko
Julianne Moore and Annette Bening star as a lesbian couple is this dynamic film. When their two kids suddenly make a connection with their biological father, Mark Ruffalo, complications arise. This film shows the complexity of relationships and how families are constantly changing and shifting as kids grow up. Maybe not a perfect film, but still a very good one that allows the viewer to see a different story and family than the ones usually shown in movies.
6. Girl Most Likely dir. Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Girl Most Likely is a quirky gem. Kristen Wiig plays a failed playwright who has to move home. This film is unexpectedly delightful, creating a unique cast of characters that are each atypical and do not fall easily into any tropes. Ultimately, this movie discusses depression and the hardships of failing and being unable to immediately move forward in any direction. Not always an easy watch, but Wiig certainly shines as the lead.
Honorable Mentions
The Virgin Suicides dir. Sofia Coppola
The Hurt Locker dir. Kathryn Bigelow
Bridget Jones's Diary dir. Sharon Maguire
Una Noche dir. Lucy Mulloy
