Midterms and Movies
BY NICOLE CHENGHey USWIB! With midterm season back in full force, the whirlwind of exams, assignments, and late-night study sessions can seem never-ending. While midterms keep us busy, it’s crucial to find time to relax and unwind. In this blog, we’re here to provide a bit of respite. As we navigate the challenges of midterms, let’s take a moment to enjoy some inspiring women-led films that can offer a fresh perspective and an escape from the academic hustle.
Little Women (2019)
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Little Women (2019) |
Genre: Period Drama
Director: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Description: What better way to start this list than with a Greta Gerwig film? Little Women (2019) is an exceptional film that will stand the test of time. With its outstanding performances and storytelling, this adaptation is a true gem in the world of cinema.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
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Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) |
Genre: Period Drama/Romance
Director: Céline Sciamma
Cast: Adèle Haenel & Noémie Merlant
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Description: Portrait of a Lady on Fire is one of the most moving and visually stunning films I’ve seen. Set in 18th-century France, it unravels the captivating story of a fiery, forbidden romance between a painter and her muse. Check out Petite Maman next!
Mustang (2015)
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Mustang (2015) |
Genre: Drama
Director: Deniz Gamze Ergüven
Cast: Güneş Şensoy, Elit İşcan, Doğa Zeynep Doğuşlu, İlayda Akdoğan, Tugba Sunguroglu
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Description: Mustang portrays the experiences of five young orphaned sisters and the obstacles they encounter while navigating adolescence within a conservative society. If you liked The Virgin Suicides (1999), you will love this.
Certain Women (2016)
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Certain Women (2016) |
Genre: Drama
Director: Kelly Reichardt
Cast: Laura Dern, Michelle Williams, Lily Gladstone, Kristen Stewart
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Description: Join three women going about their day-to-day in Kelly Reichardt’s Certain Women. Love this ensemble!
BODIES BODIES BODIES (2022)
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BODIES BODIES BODIES (2022) |
Genre: Murder Mystery/Comedy
Director: Halina Reijn
Cast: Amanda Sternberg, Rachel Sennott, Maria Bakalova, Chase Sui Wonders, Myha’la
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Description: Super funny and such a creative twist on the murder mystery genre. One of the few films that accurately depicts our generation. A good time!
Notes: for my non-horror fans, please don’t be put off by this film it’s not scary at all!
Thelma & Louise (1991)
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Thelma & Louise (1991) |
Genre: Adventure
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Geena Davis, Susan Sarandon
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Description: The ultimate female friendship movie! Follow Thelma and Louise on a sprawling weekend trip.
Persona (1966)
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Persona (1966) |
Genre: Drama
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Cast: Liv Ullmann & Bibi Andersson
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Description: Considered Bergman’s magnum opus, Persona is one of my all-time favorite movies. So highly interpretable to the point where I thought about it every day for a month straight. If you liked this, check out Mulholland Drive and 3 Women.
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988)
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Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (1988) |
Genre: Comedy
Director: Pedro Almodóvar
Cast: Carmen Maura, Rossy De Palma, Maria Barranco
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Description: Eccentric and bright, I think we all can relate to the titular women during midterms season.
PRISCILLA (2023)
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PRISCILLA (2023) |
Genre: Biographical drama
Director: Sofia Coppola
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Jacob Elordi, Dagmara Dominczyk
Rotten Tomatoes: 84%
Description: No list of women in film would be complete without recognizing Sofia Coppola. Presenting her latest film, Priscilla, adapted from Priscilla Presley’s novel, Elvis and Me. Now available for streaming on Max!
Daisies (1966)
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Daisies (1966) |
Genre: Comedy
Director: Věra Chytilová
Rotten Tomatoes: 88%
Description: Watch two teenage girls have fun and live their best lives with no repercussions for 74 minutes.
Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle (1987)
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Four Adventures of Reinette and Mirabelle (1987) |
Genre: Comedy
Director: Éric Rohmer
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Description: We need more modern female friendship movies! Here’s a tried and true.
Bottoms (2023)
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Bottoms (2023) |
Genre: Comedy
Director: Emma Seligman
Cast: Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, Ruby Cruz, Havana Rose Liu, Kaia Gerber, Nicholas Galitzine
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Description: Emma Seligman (NYU alum!!!) brings us Bottoms, a must-see comedy, following two high school students who start a fight club to date their crushes. I haven’t laughed this much at a movie in a long time; this one will definitely help you destress! :)
Notes: Fun fact, Rachel Sennott, Ayo Edebiri, and Havana Rose Liu are all NYU alumni! There’s even a picture of Rachel and Emma planning out the movie in an NYU study room!