Female-Led Movies We’ve Loved This Year So Far

I have been a Felicity Jones fan for the longest time and couldn’t wait to check her out as ‘the notorious RBG’, a woman who has spent most of her life fighting for gender equality and women’s rights.

Starring as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the film follows a young Ginsburg as she navigates her way through Harvard law school, motherhood and undertakes an ambitious lawsuit that changes her career. With a behind the scenes look at her family and the supportive role her husband played in her life, the film quickly establishes that Ginsburg is a spirited woman whose brain, conviction and fire help drive her to become an advocate for all.

I love strong women running the show and the powerful performances, witty script and smart storytelling certainly make this a compelling watch.

Olivia Coleman as Queen Anne is everything.

The Favourite is an unexpectedly hilarious and thoughtful look into the relationships between three key characters during Queen Anne’s reign. Set in the 18^thCentury, this female-led drama is witty, edgy and downright delightful and stars Emma Stone in what might be her best performance yet as the manipulative maid Abigail who, as the titles suggests, becomes the Queens favourite. Rachel Weisz as always gives a flawless performance as Sarah, the Queens confidante who also manages many of her governing affairs over England.

While the film is almost completely without fault, I must say that the ending leaves something to be desired with its abstract-art house ending that left me more confused than anything.

Based on a YA book that had me crying in my car, The Hate U Give is a poignant look at the the role of racism and police brutality in America.

The film follows 16-year old Starr, a teen who witnesses the death of her friend Khalil at the hands of a quick-to-shoot police officer. What unfolds in the aftermath is a complex and raw look at how one persons actions can bleed through a community and create tense divides across a nation.

Incredible performances by the entire cast have you feeling every raw emotion alongside them and you can’t help but be swept up in the injustice, the anger, the sadness and the fear that permeates the lives of the characters.

Emotional AF and truly gripping, I really recommend you keep this film on your radar and give it a watch.

Bullied as a child, Jordan grows up to become a successful boss babe thanks to a vow she makes to herself after an embarrassing childhood moment; don’t be bullied, become the bully. Harsh to people in her life, a sprinkle of movie magic and a curse from a little girl transforms Jordan from a grown woman into her 13-year old self. Forced to head back to school, Jordan quickly learns some important life lessons about friendship and treating others with respect – things she’d forgotten on her rise to the top.

Regina Hall and Marsai Martin share the role of Jordan flawlessly but one of the best additions to the film is Issa Rae, a comedic genius who steals the spotlight from the rest of the cast.

With some hilarious scenes thanks to the adult/child dynamics, the film is a lighthearted watch to pop on with a glass of wine after a long work week.

It seems to be a year for three things:

• Powerful performance by female leads
• Historical Queen based dramas
• Great cheekbones

Starring two of our favourite actresses, Mary Queen of Scots follows the films namesake (Ronan) and Queen Elizabeth I (Robbie), cousins who have a tense relationship, further strained by Mary’s attempts to overthrow Queen Elizabeth’s rule.

Its dramatic AF and so satisfying for anyone who loves a period drama.

While a few historical inaccuracies are scattered throughout for dramatic effect, this film succeeds thanks to strong performances, deceptive character plot twists and stunning sets that pull you back in time.

Well this was a surprise.

I’ll be honest, when I heard about this movie I wasn’t sure it was going to be for me but within 10-minutes of starting this film, I was 100% in.

I absolutely loved this heartwarming biopic about the rise of WWE female wrestler Saraya-Jade aka Paige and every triumph and downfall is so honestly portrayed that you find yourself rooting for her from the outset.

While everyone in this film is doing the most, I have to give a special shout out to Nick Frost and Lena Headey who have an undeniable chemistry and steal every scene they’re in.

Buy into the hype and watch this movie!