The science fiction genre of film is often heralded for its imaginative plots, taking audiences to far away planets, the past, and everything in-between. This article will examine what I believe is an often overlooked feature of science fiction. That is, science fiction, more so than any other film genre, is rife with capable, dynamic, and all-around badass female characters.
Aliens, robots, and planet-destroying super weapons are no match for the heroines who use their cunning, bravery, and heroism to save the day. Reaching a high point in the 1980’s, the science fiction films featuring fearless females are seemingly making a comeback. I welcome this development, not only as a staunch proponent of feminism being portrayed positively in media, but as a fan of smart and savvy science fiction.
The first character I’d like to highlight is Sarah Connor from the Terminator film series. Just a normal waitress, Sarah was thrust into her position as renegade warrior and mother of humanity’s future savior. By the time of the second film, Sarah has transformed into a strong and confident soldier, shouldering the fate of humanity as she takes charge to prevent the robot apocalypse. Sarah’s strongest feature, however, is her devotion to those she cares about, be it her son or the Terminator-turned-caretaker. Her resilience, both physical and mental, make her one of cinema’s most heroic characters. Another strong heroine character found in the annals of science fiction film and my personal favorite, is Ellen Ripley from the Alien film franchise. Like Sarah Connor, Ripley was originally a space miner whose life was irrevocably altered once she came face to face with an alien menace. Faced with the threat of annihilation by the deadly predator, Ripley takes matters into her own hands to destroy the beast. In the sequel film, Ripley is paired with an orphaned girl named Newt, who she takes under her wing. This relationship explores Ripley’s more nurturing and motherly side. Bold, resourceful, and caring, Ellen Ripley represents the ultimate badass, someone who can exterminate alien eggs with a flamethrower while also protecting an innocent girl from harm.
The final female character I will explore is Princess Leia Organa from the Star Wars film series. Upon first being introduced on screen, Leia is refusing to be intimidated by her Imperial captors. Heading the rebel organization as a galactic Senator, Leia is shown to be a shrewd politician, getting by on her own willpower and resolve. During every major event in the series, be it the destruction of the Death Star or the Battle of Hoth, Leia is right there commanding troops and offering her service to do what she believes is right. After attempting to rescue Han Solo, Leia is forced into bondage by the nefarious gangster, Jabba the Hutt. Wearing a golden bikini, Leia overcomes her enslavement and strangles the mobster with the very chains he used to restrain her. Since the heyday of these tenacious women, science fiction films have experienced a deficit of comparable characters. Thankfully, this trend seems to be reversing as of late and science fiction is returning to its original position as a bastion for capable heroines. Furiosa from the recent Mad Max movie is an example of a modern woman kicking ass. Star Wars, too, has not forgotten its role as portraying strong-willed female characters. Rey, from the recent Force Awakens film, is shown to be intelligent, determined, and compassionate.
It is my hope that these decidedly pro-feminist characters keep cropping up, be it in the past, future, or in a galaxy far, far away.
