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)
♡
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.
Notes: Greta has a great filmography that centers around women’s stories. Definitely check out her other work if you haven’t already! Lady Bird, Barbie, and Frances Ha have special places in my heart.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
♡
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. One of my favorite films–a 5/5 in my book!
Notes: This film is in French.
Mustang (2015)
♡
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. A must-watch!
Notes: This film is in Turkish.
BODIES BODIES BODIES (2022)
♡
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: I reference this movie too often, but that’s just because it’s perfect to me! Super funny and such a creative twist on the murder mystery genre. One of the few films that accurately depicts our generation.
Notes: for my non-horror fans, please don’t be put off by this film it’s not scary at all!
Women Talking (2022)
♡
Women Talking (2022) ♡
Genre: Drama
Director: Sarah Polley
Cast: Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Description: This Academy Award-winning film is an adaptation of the powerfully evocative, true story ‘Women Talking’ by Miriam Toews. Set in a conservative Mennonite community, the film follows a group of women and their horrifying experiences with the men of the colony.
Notes: Themes of sexual assault.
Persona (1966)
♡
Persona (1966) ♡
Genre: Drama
Director: Ingmar Bergman
Cast: Liv Ullmann & Bibi Andersson
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Description: Considered as 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. A masterclass in cinema!
Notes: This film is in Swedish.
PRISCILLA (2023)
♡
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!
Bottoms (2023)
♡
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: Ending on a lighter note, Emma Seligman (NYU alum!!!) brings us Bottoms, a must-see comedy. The story follows 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!