Staff Picks: Our Favorite Films Directed by Women
In celebration of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, the staff at IMDb has compiled a list of their favorite films directed by women.
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- DirectorSian HederStarsEmilia JonesMarlee MatlinTroy KotsurAs a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her passion at Berklee College of Music and her fear of abandoning her parents.Sian Heder's funny, feel-good family drama won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award after its virtual premiere at Sundance in 2021, and went on to delight audiences via streaming after a major Apple TV+ purchase. I was thrilled to see it win Best Picture at the 2022 Oscars, plus bring home a Best Adapted Screenplay award for Heder and historic Best Actor win for deaf actor Troy Kotsur. Warm, fuzzy feelings all around – prepare to laugh AND cry! — Hannah P.
- DirectorJustine TrietStarsSandra HüllerSwann ArlaudMilo Machado-GranerA woman is suspected of murder after her husband's death; their half-blind son faces a moral dilemma as the main witness.I picked a list of films directed by women ('Anatomy of a Fall,' 'Past Lives,' 'Lady Bird,' and 'The Lost Daughter') which have stayed with me. In all the following cases, the stories and writing were able to appeal to an emotion so deep that I hadn’t found a way verbalize it, until these films helped me do it. I just noticed that for all these films the directors were also the writers and I’m not surprised. — Neha G.
- DirectorA.V. RockwellStarsTeyana TaylorAaron Kingsley AdetolaAven CourtneyAfter unapologetic and fiercely loyal Inez kidnaps her son Terry from the foster care system, mother and son set out to reclaim their sense of home, identity, and stability, in a rapidly changing New York City.This is a very special film by writer/director A.V. Rockwell and we saw it at its world premiere at The Sundance Film Festival where it received a much-deserved rave response. It has much to say about family and love, along with some unexpected turns along the way. I am looking forward to whatever she does next. — Col N.
- DirectorDaisy von Scherler MayerStarsParker PoseyOmar TownsendThe Lady BunnyA 20-something, irresponsible party girl is bailed out of jail by her librarian godmother. To repay the loan, she starts working at the library and gradually turns her life around.Did you know 'Party Girl' was the first movie ever to stream online? It's also quintessential '90s NYC and the first movie I think of when someone mentions Parker Posey. It was also director Daisy von Scherler Mayer's debut. Pair with 'Paris Is Burning' for an NYC double feature from two female directors. — Arno K.
- DirectorChanning Godfrey PeoplesStarsNicole BeharieLiz MikelMarcus M. MauldinA former beauty queen and single mom prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for the "Miss Juneteenth" pageant.'Miss Juneteenth' is an independent coming-of-age film directed by Channing Godfrey Peoples. The film centers on a former pageant queen who was the most popular person in her small southern town, who’s now preparing her daughter for the competition she once won back in the day. It debuted at Sundance in 2020 and features lovely performances from Nicole Beharie and Kendrick Sampson as well. — Tre W.
- DirectorPenelope SpheerisStarsMike MyersDana CarveyRob LoweTwo slacker friends try to promote their public-access cable show.Party time! Excellent! (Weeeoooeeooeeeooo) Director Penelope Spheeris has such a prolific resume of depicting the renegade world of punk, metal, and general rock and roll shenanigan-ery, that I would be remised not to mention other stand out content such as: 'The Decline of Western Civilization,' 'Black Sheep,' and every music video you actually enjoyed in the '90s (Megadeth, Night Ranger, Queen, etc.) — Crystal S.
- DirectorJennifer KentStarsEssie DavisNoah WisemanDaniel HenshallA single mother and her child fall into a deep well of paranoia when an eerie children's book titled "Mister Babadook" manifests in their home.William Friedkin famously said that this was the most terrifying film he had ever seen, and he directed 'The Exorcist' so he knew a thing or two about horror movies. I don’t know if I would go that far, but it is a disturbing, unnerving watch (especially if you are the parent of a small child) that works on many different levels. — Giancarlo C.
- DirectorGina Prince-BythewoodStarsCharlize TheronKiKi LayneMatthias SchoenaertsA covert team of immortal mercenaries is suddenly exposed and must now fight to keep their identity a secret just as an unexpected new member is discovered.Action/thrillers are not usually my go-to genre, but the strong female character played by Charlize Theron really drew me in! — Maiwenn L.
- DirectorGina Prince-BythewoodStarsViola DavisThuso MbeduLashana LynchA historical epic inspired by true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries.Not only does 'The Woman King' have an amazing cast of lead women featuring Viola Davis but it’s an inspiring portrayal of a woman’s journey, shedding a light on the resilience of women throughout history. — Myra T.
- DirectorKelly Fremon CraigStarsAbby Ryder FortsonRachel McAdamsKathy BatesWhen her family moves from the city to the suburbs, 11-year-old Margaret navigates new friends, feelings, and the beginning of adolescence.Writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig captured the essence of Judy Bloom’s book so perfectly, and she brought what was in so many of our heads right to the screen. The direction and the performances particularly by Abby Ryder Fortson and Rachel McAdams are so keyed into such rich and authentic emotions of these stages from girlhood to womanhood. It’s truly so lovely, go laugh, go cry, and have a fun time doing it. — Hannah R.
- DirectorCéline SciammaStarsNoémie MerlantAdèle HaenelLuàna BajramiOn an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.Beautiful, haunting, and isolating. Made me want to stand still indefinitely, consumed in flame. — Crystal S.
Captivating film from start to finish. Will definitely be checking out some of Céline Sciamma's other films. — Matthew R. - DirectorPenelope SpheerisStarsEugene TatuAlice Bag BandBlack FlagA look into the Los Angeles punk rock scene, that was largely ignored by the rock music press of the time.Penelope Spheeris has a lot to pick from, but 'The Decline of Western Civilization', 'Suburbia', and 'Wayne's World' are stand-outs. — Aaron W.
- DirectorChantal AkermanStarsDelphine SeyrigJan DecorteHenri StorckA lonely widowed housewife does her daily chores, takes care of her apartment where she lives with her teenage son, and turns the occasional trick to make ends meet. However, something happens that changes her safe routine.The current #1 film in the 10-year "Sight & Sound" poll is indeed a classic from Chantal Akerman. — Col N.
- DirectorAnne FletcherStarsSandra BullockRyan ReynoldsMary SteenburgenA pushy boss forces her young assistant to marry her in order to keep her visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada.Honestly, I watch it for the dog. — Jennifer T.
- DirectorEmerald FennellStarsBarry KeoghanJacob ElordiRosamund PikeA student at Oxford University finds himself drawn into the world of a charming and aristocratic classmate, who invites him to his eccentric family's sprawling estate for a summer never to be forgotten.Emerald Fennell has crafted another deliciously wicked script and brought it to life with same directorial skill as her debut feature. I will never be able to hear Pulp’s “Common People” again without thinking of Rosamund Pike's character. — Col N.
- DirectorMaria SchraderStarsZoe KazanCarey MulliganPatricia ClarksonJodi Kantor and Megan Twohey's quest to break the Harvey Weinstein scandal.Based on the true story of New York Times reporters who broke the Harvey Weinstein story and directed by Maria Schrader. Incredibly powerful storytelling that casts a spell as you’re watching. Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan give amazing performances but it’s Ashley Judd playing herself that made this truly unforgettable. — Lindsay C.
- DirectorPippa EhrlichJames ReedStarsCraig FosterTom FosterA filmmaker forges an unusual friendship with an octopus living in a South African kelp forest, learning as the animal shares the mysteries of her world.One of the strongest memories of a film I enjoyed during the UK’s (final) lockdown in 2021. Co-directed by a woman, and the octopus is actually female! It won the Oscar for Best Documentary that year. — Maiwenn L.
- DirectorPilar PalomeroStarsAndrea FandosNatalia de MolinaZoé ArnaoCelia, an 11-year-old girl, studies at a convent school and lives with her mum, a 30-year-old widow. The arrival of a new classmate hurls Celia into adolescence.Another lockdown watch via the online Amplify Film Festival in 2020. I loved how they captured the contrasts between the traditional Catholic values of Spain and the modern ideas of women in Spanish society. — Maiwenn L.
- DirectorBrenda ChapmanSteve HicknerSimon WellsStarsVal KilmerRalph FiennesMichelle PfeifferEgyptian Prince Moses learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people.'The Prince of Egypt' and 'Brave' are good on their own, but also if you have a child fixate on either they are re-watchable multiple times. — Aaron W.
- DirectorAmy HeckerlingStarsAlicia SilverstoneStacey DashBrittany MurphyShallow, rich and socially successful Cher is at the top of her Beverly Hills high school's pecking scale. Seeing herself as a matchmaker, Cher first coaxes two teachers into dating each other.One of my fave movies is the classic 'Clueless' (1995). A random (and ridiculous) fact about me: I was the ranked #1 across NY state in 'Clueless' trivia category in popular QuizUp mobile gaming app (discontinued in 2021) for a little over a year LOL! — Tara B.
Pure nostalgia – the soundtrack of this movie was the background of many teenage years. — Jennifer T. - DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsAdrian PasdarJenny WrightLance HenriksenA small-town farmer's son reluctantly joins a traveling group of vampires after he is bitten by a beautiful drifter.Bigelow made several films that are more popular ('Point Break') or critically acclaimed ('The Hurt Locker', 'Zero-Dark-Thirty'), but this is her best one as far as I’m concerned. If you can think of a better modern western/vampire film, let me know. The scene in the dive bar set to The Cramps’ version of "Fever" is a classic and worth the price of admission by itself. Also, this film features my favorite performance by the late, great Bill Paxton. “It’s finger-licking good.” — Giancarlo C.
'Near Dark' is near perfect, 'Strange Days' and 'Point Break' are nothing to sneeze at. — Aaron W. - DirectorRegina KingStarsKingsley Ben-AdirEli GoreeAldis HodgeA fictional account of one incredible night where icons Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown gathered discussing their roles in the Civil Rights Movement and cultural upheaval of the 60s.'One Night in Miami…' (2020), directed by Regina King, is one of my favorites. With an all-star cast featuring Aldis Hodge, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Leslie Odom Jr., and more, you can’t go wrong with this title. — Tre W.
Loved this, and love Regina King! — Matthew R. - DirectorPenny MarshallStarsTom HanksGeena DavisLori PettyTwo sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.Even though I am not particularly a huge fan of baseball, the all star cast with amazing one liners and comedic timing makes this movie top of my list. — Jennifer T.
It's the reason I played softball. — Tara B. - DirectorJimmy ChinElizabeth Chai VasarhelyiStarsBancha DuriyapuntApakorn YoukongkaewAnan SurawanA chronicle of the enthralling, against-all-odds story that transfixed the world in 2018: the daring rescue of twelve boys and their coach from deep inside a flooded cave in Northern Thailand.A nail biting documentary about the rescue of 12 boys and their soccer coach trapped in a flooded Thailand cave system, saved by a group of dedicated civilian scuba divers. Imagine your weekend hobby was the only chance of survival for 13 people. — Crystal S.
- DirectorDK WelchmanHugh WelchmanStarsDouglas BoothJerome FlynnRobert GulaczykIn a story depicted in oil painted animation, a young man comes to the last hometown of painter Vincent van Gogh to deliver the troubled artist's final letter and ends up investigating his final days there.Never miss a chance to mention this film. Animated with actual oil paintings. A beautiful film. A wife and husband directing team of DK Welchman and Hugh Welchman. — Roger K.
- DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsJessica ChastainJoel EdgertonChris PrattA chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L.s Team 6 in May 2011.This a gripping drama based upon true events by Oscar-winning director, Kathryn Bigelow, is a wonder to behold and it never misses a beat throughout its 157 minute running-time. — Col N.
- DirectorCatherine HardwickeStarsKristen StewartRobert PattinsonBilly BurkeWhen Bella Swan moves to a small town in the Pacific Northwest, she falls in love with Edward Cullen, a mysterious classmate who reveals himself to be a 108-year-old vampire.Catherine Hardwicke's 'Twilight' is hands down the best in the 'Twilight' series. It’s shot beautifully, has an amazing soundtrack and it stands the test of time in a way none of the others do. — Kris A.
- DirectorSharon MaguireStarsRenée ZellwegerColin FirthHugh GrantBridget Jones is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary.I am not ashamed to admit I can probably quote this movie line for line. — Jennifer T.
- DirectorPatty JenkinsStarsGal GadotChris PineRobin WrightWhen a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, Diana, an Amazonian warrior in training, leaves home to fight a war, discovering her full powers and true destiny.I cried so many times in the theater. — Tara B.
- DirectorRaine Allen-MillerStarsDavid JonssonVivian OparahPoppy Allen-QuarmbyTwo youngsters reeling from bad breakups connect over an eventful day in South London.This is an engaging and funny love story from director Raine Allen-Miller, brought to life by the two fabulous leads, Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson. — Col N.
- DirectorNina MenkesStarsRhiannon AaronsRosanna ArquetteRaja BhattarInvestigates the politics of cinematic shot design, and how this meta-level of filmmaking intersects with the twin epidemics of sexual abuse/assault and employment discrimination against women, with over 175 movie clips from 1896 - 2020.You will never quite look at movies in the same way after watching Nina Menkes fascinating documentary on filmmaking which in turn is based upon her equally excellent popular lecture on the subject of gender and perspective in cinema. — Col N.
- DirectorAlankrita ShrivastavaStarsAahana KumraRatna Pathak ShahKonkona Sen SharmaIn order to be independent and break free from the conservative society, four women sets on a journey to discover freedom and happiness.Sharing films by Indian Women Directors (including 'English Vinglish' by Gauri Shinde, 'A Death in the Gunj' by Konkona Sen Sharma and 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' by Alankrita Shrivastava) that have been a part of my list of favourites for various reasons. — Neha G.
- DirectorAdele LimStarsAshley ParkSherry ColaStephanie HsuFollows four Asian American friends as they bond and discover the truth of what it means to know and love who you are, while they travel through China in search of one of their birth mothers.'Joy Ride' (2023), directed by Adele Lim, is everything you would want from a “bestie adventure comedy” film. Starring Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Sherry Cola, and Sabrina Wu, it is a rollercoaster of non-stop laughter, friendship, self-discovery, and so much more. I really hope they make a sequel. — Tre W.
- DirectorCeline SongStarsGreta LeeTeo YooJohn MagaroNora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.Celine Song's debut feature is a deeply moving story about love and loss. — Col N.
Probably one of my favorite films from last year (competing in a crowded field). Phenomenal directorial film debut from Celine Song. — Matthew R. - DirectorGreta GerwigStarsSaoirse RonanLaurie MetcalfTracy LettsIn 2002, an artistically inclined 17-year-old girl comes of age in Sacramento, California.If I must narrow down to just one Greta Gerwig directed film, I have to choose 'Lady Bird'. It’s a perfect coming of age movie. It has incredible performances, it’s funny, it’s emotional, authentic, it’s beautifully shot, and you can see why it was nominated for 5 Academy Awards. — Hannah R.
- DirectorLexi AlexanderStarsRay StevensonDominic WestJulie BenzFrank Castle, known as the Punisher, ruthlessly demolishes organized crime, but it starts an even bigger war.I’m not going to claim that this is a great movie, or even a particularly good one. But it is a fun one, if your idea of fun is bloody, cartoonish, over the top ultra-violence, the likes of which has never been seen before or since in a Marvel comic-book movie. Heads are crushed, limbs are maimed and gunshot exit wounds are shown in explosive slow-motion. You have been warned. Staring the late Ray Stevenson as everyone’s favorite cop-turned-mass-murdering vigilante and featuring a truly unhinged performance by Dominic West as the lead villain Jigsaw, this is one dour, deranged Marvel movie that you will probably never see on Disney+ and it makes other 'Punisher' adaptations look like "Sesame Street". — Giancarlo C.
- DirectorCarol MorleyStarsMaxine PeakeMaisie WilliamsFlorence PughIt's 1969 at a strict English girls' school where charismatic Abbie and intense and troubled Lydia are best friends. After a tragedy occurs at the school, a mysterious fainting epidemic breaks out threatening the stability of all involved.Carol Morley is a British director who has established herself with a unique voice which is on full display here in this stunning film which also launched the career of Florence Pugh (among others) — Col N.
- DirectorNancy MeyersStarsKate WinsletCameron DiazJude LawTwo women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.I am a self-proclaimed, proud, rom-com enthusiast. I aspire to live in a cottage like Iris’s one day, with a cow in my backyard like Graham. — Jennifer T.
- DirectorNora EphronStarsTom HanksMeg RyanGreg KinnearBook superstore magnate Joe Fox and independent book shop owner Kathleen Kelly fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet, both blissfully unaware that he's trying to put her out of business.This one admittedly shows up on my lists often, but that’s because it’s a 10 star film. Absolutely love Nora Ephron, both as a director and writer. — Matthew R.
- DirectorLynne RamsayStarsJoaquin PhoenixJudith RobertsEkaterina SamsonovA traumatized veteran unafraid of violence tracks down missing girls for a living. When a job spins out of control, Joe's nightmares overtake him as a conspiracy is uncovered leading to what could be his death trip or his awakening.Another director who made several outstanding films, but this is my personal favorite, although it was a toss-up between this one and 'We Need to Talk about Kevin' (2011). I picked this one because it features a great performance by Joaquin Phoenix (the seeds of his Oscar-winning turn in 'Joker' (2019) were absolutely planted here) and because 'Kevin' is excruciating to watch as a parent. — Giancarlo C.
- DirectorMartha CoolidgeStarsNicolas CageDeborah ForemanElizabeth DailyJulie, a girl from the valley, meets Randy, a punk from the city. They are from different worlds and find love. Somehow they need to stay together in spite of her trendy, shallow friends.In addition to 'Valley Girl,' I’ve watched 'Real Genius' more times than I care to admit. — Aaron W.
- DirectorCrystal MoselleStarsRachelle VinbergDede LovelaceNina MoranA teenaged skateboarder makes friends with a bunch of other skateboarding girls in New York City.I really loved the aesthetics and atmosphere of this film which follows a group of female skateboarders who form a safe community in a male-dominated activity in New York. It’s inspired by a real-life skate collective! — Maiwenn L.
- DirectorGreta GerwigStarsMargot RobbieRyan GoslingIssa RaeBarbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.The absolute audacity of this film was brilliant and Greta Gerwig pulled it off perfectly. — Matthew R.
- DirectorMimi LederStarsFelicity JonesArmie HammerJustin TherouxThe true story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, her struggles for equal rights, and the early cases of a historic career that lead to her nomination and confirmation as U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice.Felicity Jones is perfect in the inspiring story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg from director Mimi Leder. — Col N.
- DirectorRanda HainesStarsWilliam HurtMarlee MatlinPiper LaurieA new speech teacher at a school for the deaf falls in love with the janitor, a deaf woman speechless by choice.I had the biggest crush on Marlee Matlin! I'm not as familiar with Randa Haines' other works, but it looks like this was a directorial film debut for her as well, which was nominated for 5 Oscars (including Best Picture) and won Best Actress in a Leading Role for Matlin. — Matthew R.
- DirectorCate ShortlandStarsScarlett JohanssonFlorence PughDavid HarbourNatasha Romanoff confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises.This, unfortunately, is less of a surprise. A female director, Cate Shortland, directing a female super hero. I wonder what great movie would have been created if a woman had directed 'Iron Man' or 'Captain America'? I thoroughly enjoyed the film and I am convinced that Marvel has squandered a wonderful opportunity to create a worthy (and superior) James Bond style film franchise with a female lead. — Roger K.
- DirectorMary HarronStarsChristian BaleJustin TherouxJosh LucasA wealthy New York City investment banking executive, Patrick Bateman, hides his alternate psychopathic ego from his co-workers and friends as he delves deeper into his violent, hedonistic fantasies.Somehow both before and after its own time. 'American Psycho' is at its most horrifying when exploring the culture of 80’s Wall Street. Quote: "Look at that subtle off-white coloring. The tasteful thickness of it. Oh, my God. It even has a watermark." — Crystal S.
'American Psycho', because who doesn’t love a good business card? — Jake M.
Need I say more? — Jennifer T. - DirectorSarah GavronStarsCarey MulliganAnne-Marie DuffHelena Bonham CarterIn 1912 London, a young working mother is galvanized into radical political activism supporting the right for women to vote, and is willing to meet violence with violence to achieve this end.Sarah Gavron directs a script by Abi Morgan on the suffragette movement in the UK with an all-star cast and full of historic authenticity — Col N.
- DirectorAva DuVernayStarsDavid OyelowoCarmen EjogoOprah WinfreyA chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965.Amazing work by Ava DuVernay in this film. Well cast, well shot, well paced, well told. — Matthew R.
- DirectorKaryn KusamaStarsLogan Marshall-GreenEmayatzy CorinealdiMichiel HuismanWhen a man accepts an invitation to a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife, the unsettling past reopens old wounds and creates new tensions.A couple grieving from the death of their child is invited to a dinner party where the hosts are behaving in increasingly bizarre ways. A great example of slow-burn movie. I wouldn’t say that it features a full-blown twist ending, but you don’t exactly know what’s going on until the very end. Takes a while to get going, but definitely worth it. - Giancarlo C.
- DirectorEmma SeligmanStarsRachel SennottAyo EdebiriRuby CruzTwo unpopular queer high-school students start a fight club to have sex before graduation.Awesome satirical comedy that I enjoyed watching last week on Prime Video! Great to see Ayo Edebiri from "The Bear" who is fantastic as one of the main characters! — Maiwenn L.
- DirectorLulu WangStarsShuzhen ZhaoAwkwafinaX MayoA Chinese family discovers their grandmother has only a short while left to live and decide to keep her in the dark, scheduling a wedding to gather before she dies.Perfect and insightful outlook on loss, grief and appreciating life whilst we have it around us. — Oliver C.
- DirectorSally PotterStarsTilda SwintonBilly ZaneQuentin CrispAfter Queen Elizabeth I commands him not to grow old, a young nobleman struggles with love and his place in the world.'Orlando' by Sally Potter has always been one of my favorites. — Kris A.
- DirectorKaryn KusamaStarsMegan FoxAmanda SeyfriedAdam BrodyA newly-possessed high-school cheerleader turns into a succubus who specializes in killing her male classmates. Can her best friend put an end to the horror?Highschool horror with quippy dialog and a sense of humor. Hell is, in fact, a teenage girl. — Crystal S.
- DirectorPamela B. GreenStarsJodie FosterAlice GuyPamela B. GreenPamela B. Green's energetic film about pioneer filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché is both a tribute and a detective story, tracing the circumstances by which this extraordinary artist faded from memory and the path toward her reclamation.Pamela Green’s documentary on the unsung pioneer of early cinema, Alice Guy-Blaché, is a must-see. — Col N.
- DirectorSally El HosainiStarsMatthias SchweighöferAli SulimanAlfredo TavaresFrom war-torn Syria to the 2016 Rio Olympics, two young sisters embark on a harrowing journey as refugees, putting both their hearts and champion swimming skills to heroic use.An incredible journey of two sisters leaving the war in Syria (based on a true story). I always love seeing sister stories on screen! — Maiwenn L.
- DirectorNia DaCostaStarsTessa ThompsonLily JamesLuke KirbyIn Little Woods North Dakota, two estranged sisters are driven to extremes when their mother dies, leaving them with one week to pay back her mortgage.Nia DaCosta as writer/director has crafted a brilliant thriller as her debut feature with excellent performances from Tessa Thompson and Lily James — Col N.
- DirectorLana WachowskiLilly WachowskiStarsKeanu ReevesLaurence FishburneCarrie-Anne MossWhen a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo to a forbidding underworld, he discovers the shocking truth--the life he knows is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.'The Matrix' obviously was a near perfect movie. Lana Wachowski (who also did 'Speed Racer', which many hated, but I freaking loved!) — Jake M.
- DirectorRachel TalalayStarsLori PettyIce-TNaomi WattsA girl is among the few survivors of a dystopian Earth. Riding a war tank, she fights against the tyranny of a mega-corporation that dominates the remaining potable water supply of the planet.Rachel Talalay is all over television ("Doctor Who," "American Gods," "Supernatural," "The Flash,") but she directed 'Tank Girl' so she wins. — Aaron W.
- DirectorLiliana CavaniStarsDirk BogardeCharlotte RamplingPhilippe LeroyA concentration camp survivor rekindles her sadomasochistic relationship with her lover, a former SS officer - now working as a night porter at a Vienna hotel - but his former Nazi associates begin stalking them.High art or crass sleazy exploitation? 50 years later, the jury is still out on Liliana Cavani's controversial portrayal of a sadomasochistic relationship between a female Jewish holocaust survivor and a Nazi concentration camp officer set in 1957 Vienna. I happen to think it's a near masterpiece, but it's definitely not for everyone, and it's one of several films from the '70s that would and could never be made these days. Truly, a product of its time. — Giancarlo C.
- DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsJeremy RennerAnthony MackieBrian GeraghtyDuring the Iraq War, a Sergeant recently assigned to an army bomb squad is put at odds with his squad mates due to his maverick way of handling his work.'The Hurt Locker', IMO one of the best war films out there. — Jake M.
- DirectorJulie CohenBetsy WestStarsRuth Bader GinsburgAnn KittnerHarryette HelselThe exceptional life and career of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who has developed a breathtaking legal legacy while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon.I remember seeing this in the Bristol “Microplex” (The Cube) and it was a great viewing experience with laughs and/or strong reactions from the audience. Just like 'On the Basis of Sex' (2018), it was great to learn more about Ruth Bader-Ginsburg’s origin and achievements. It was nominated for two Oscars. — Maiwenn L.
- DirectorKaryn KusamaStarsNicole KidmanToby KebbellTatiana MaslanyA police detective reconnects with people from an undercover assignment in her distant past in order to make peace.Nicole Kidman gives one of the best performances of her career in this twisty crime drama from Karyn Kusama ... pay close attention! — Col N.
- DirectorSofia CoppolaStarsKirsten DunstJason SchwartzmanRip TornThe retelling of France's iconic but ill-fated queen, Marie Antoinette. From her betrothal and marriage to Louis XVI at 14 to her reign as queen at 19 and to the end of her reign as queen, and ultimately the fall of Versailles.For the cinematography and the costumes (not the historical accuracy). — Jennifer T.
- DirectorLina WertmüllerStarsGiancarlo GianniniFernando ReyShirley StolerThe defense of honor, a strong value in Neapolitan society, and its effects on the life of everyman Pasquale Frafuso.Another film directed by a woman featuring a Nazi concentration camp survivor, but this one is slightly less controversial and definitely less serious (it's a textbook example of tragicomedy, a very popular subgenre at the time). Inexplicably nearly forgotten today, this film was nominated for 4 major Academy awards back in 1977 (including Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay) and Lina Wertmuller was the first woman ever to be nominated for a Best Director Oscar). — Giancarlo C.
- DirectorMaysaloun HamoudStarsMouna HawaSana JammeliehShaden KanbouraThree Palestinian women living in an apartment in Tel Aviv try to find a balance between traditional and modern culture.A 2017 festival favourite, three very different female characters living between traditional and modern culture in Tel Aviv. — Maiwenn L.