1. As a female main character, she isn’t objectified
In the movie,"Tomb Raider", Lara Croft differs from typical “girl power movies”. The movie was based on a computer game that launched in 1996 that depicted Lara Croft as a sexy woman with large boobs and a sizeable booty. The original movie that came out in 2001 followed the video game character’s physical appearance more directly by having the star, Angelina Jolie, wearing a padded bra.
The movie highlighted her insanely curvy body multiple times throughout the film to appeal to male viewers who were likely to have played the video game. The new movie starring, Alicia Vikander, strays away from any potential objectification. Vikander showed off a muscular body that deviates from the stereotypical “sexy” female movie protagonists. It is a good reminder to girls that beauty comes in all forms.
2. No damsel in distress
At no point in this movie is Lara looking for an outside source to save her. Although she is aided by multiple characters throughout the movie, she never relies on anyone else to execute her goals. Any moment where she is helped, it is because of the other character’s loyalty to her as a companion, not because she is a beautiful girl that needs saving. In other words, she takes care of her own business.
3. She's smart
At no point in this movie does she play dumb. She proudly asserts herself and dominates with her intelligence. Even though she doesn’t have a college education, she tackles every situation she faces with calculated, rational decisions. Even surrounded by smart men, her intellectual capabilities overpower theirs. Without her brilliance, she would not have been able to execute her mission. She is a badass who owns her strengths! 
4. Her determination
Watching this movie, you will be in awe of Lara’s determination. Handcuffed and falling towards a waterfall? Not a problem- she has a solution. Her versus dozens of men attacking her? Easy- she’ll outsmart them all. Many major roadblocks were president throughout the movie in Lara’s mission, but nothing stopped her. Ladies- let Lara remind you what you’re capable of!
5. She is self-reliant
Almost every single person she encounters in this movie doubts her ability. Even her own father at one point. But who believed in her the entire time? Herself.
6. There is no love story
By not having a love interest in this movie, there was no one that the audience had expected to swoop in to save her. It made it open to interpretation for the viewers. Is she straight, is she lesbian? Let the viewer decide. Also, many movies with strong female characters add romance to spice things up, but it adds a reliance on that significant other as well.
That takes away from the independence of the main female role. Although, even if a love story had been incorporated, I think we can assume that Lara would be the one doing the saving!
