By Rachel Montpelier and Kate Gardner
As we say goodbye to the festering disappointment that was 2016 — and try to be cautiously optimistic that next year will be a little better — Women and Hollywood is providing you a preview of the 20 women-centric and women-created films we’re most excited to see in 2017. This list is far from comprehensive; these are just a few of the powerful stories by and about women that we are marking our calendars for. For more in-depth coverage on upcoming films starring, directed by, and written by women, remember to read our monthly previews, sign up for our weekly newsletter, and keep tabs on the Films By and About Women page.
“A United Kingdom” — Directed by Amma Asante (February 10)
Do you love costume dramas like “The Crown” and “Downton Abbey,” but are frustrated about the lack of diversity and the glossing over of Britain’s colonialism? Then this is the movie for you. From the director of “Belle,” “A United Kingdom” explores the real, controversial romance between King Seretse Khama of Botswana (David Oyelowo) and Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike), a white Englishwoman. As with “Belle,” director Amma Asante uses a little-known historical chapter of England’s race relations as a metaphor to discuss prevalent issues like xenophobia, racism, and ignorance.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Amma Asante.
“Before I Fall” — Directed by Ry Russo-Young; Written by Maria Maggenti (March 3)
For many of us, high school can feel like reliving the same bad day over and over again. In fact, that’s literally what happens to Samantha (Zoey Deutch), the protagonist of “Before I Fall.” After her death, the previously happy, popular young woman experiences the same day repeatedly, begins to wonder if her life was actually meaningful, and tries to find out how she died. We’re psyched about this film for a couple of reasons: it’s that rare project from an all-female creative team, and it’s a testament to how teenagers have their share of existential crises (a la “Groundhog Day”). Count us in.
“Raw”— Written and Directed by Julia Ducournau (March 10)
The first feature from writer-director Julia Ducournau tackles one of cinema’s most grisly subject matters: cannibalism. The film centers on a young, vegetarian college student who, following an initiation rite, slowly becomes a cannibal. This frightening film received accolades from a number of film festivals, but perhaps most notably caused viewers to faint during a TIFF screening in 2016. The film has received glowing reviews for this cannibalistic take on a young woman’s coming of age, and the film is sure to send chills down our spines when it finally debuts in theaters.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Julia Ducournau.
“Beauty and the Beast” (March 17)
A tale as old as time, Disney’s live-action take on the classic fairy tale already looks like a gorgeous visual feast. But the changes they have already made to heroine Belle set the film apart from the pack. In the original Disney classic, Belle stood out from the crowd thanks to her individuality and intelligence, as well as her passion for books. The live-action version of the film gives her her father’s love of invention, turning her into the brainy, yet somewhat kooky inventor of the family. This change in backstory gives Belle added depth and strength, and makes this film one to watch in terms of feminist fairy tales.
“Their Finest” — Directed by Lone Scherfig; Written by Gaby Chiappe (March 24)
2017 will already see one film about Dunkirk on the big screen courtesy of Christopher Nolan, but our attention has been captured by “Their Finest” from acclaimed director Lone Scherfig (“An Education,” “One Day”). Set during the early 1940s, the story follows a band of filmmakers trying to make a patriotic film about the Miracle of Dunkirk to boost British morale during the Blitz. It might seem like a strange setting for a romantic comedy, but early reviews following the film’s premiere at TIFF show that it successfully adds lightness and laughter to one of history’s darkest periods.
“The Zookeeper’s Wife” — Directed by Niki Caro; Written by Angela Workman (March 31)
World War II dramas often center on the men at the heart of the conflict, but “The Zookeeper’s Wife” is set to change that. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Antonia Żabińska, who along with her husband, saved the lives of almost 300 Jewish citizens in Nazi-occupied Poland. Based on Diane Ackerman’s critically acclaimed biography of the same name, the film is set to bring tears to our eyes come March 31. No doubt many of these tears will be due to yet another powerhouse performance by Chastain, who has become one of the most talented and reliable actresses of her generation. Will this film be a ticket to another Oscar nomination? Only time will tell.
“Snatched” — Written by Katie Dippold, Amy Schumer, and Kim Caramele (May 12)
We don’t know about you, but a mother-daughter movie starring Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer is exactly what we’ve been missing from our lives. And a comedy written by Schumer, her sister, Kim Caramele, and “Ghostbusters” scribe Katie Dippold just might fill that “Trainwreck”-shaped hole that 2016 movies couldn’t. “Snatched” is just one of the many anticipated high-profile projects Schumer has on her docket and, judging from the similar intergenerational conflict of Schumer’s “Mom Computer Therapy” sketch, will likely make the comic even more sought-after.
“Everything, Everything” — Directed by Stella Meghie (May 19)
Allergies are tough, but life is extra hard when you’re allergic to everything. Amandla Stenberg stars as a young woman who’s allergic to everything and leads a sheltered life. Things are shaken up when she falls in love with the boy next door. Based on the novel by Nicola Yoon, the film is one of many upcoming vehicles for Stenberg, who is poised to become one of the most well-known actresses of next year. This sweet love story will be a perfect way to launch 2017 for the star.
“Wonder Woman”— Directed by Patty Jenkins (June 2)
Probably the most anticipated movie of 2017, “Wonder Woman” provides us the fearless, bad-ass, justice-loving female leader we need in the post-2016 world. Disregarding the fact that “Wonder Woman” has had a hell of a time getting to the big screen (and small screen), it’s infuriating that we haven’t had a blockbuster super-heroine movie since “Elektra.” Yeah, you read that right. Sure, there have been several series centered around women with superpowers or skills (“Buffy,” “Jessica Jones,” “Agent Carter,” “Supergirl”), the stray female Avenger or X-Women (Black Widow, Mystique, Storm), and Harley Quinn being the only positive thing about “Suicide Squad.” But fangirls and boys alike haven’t had any female-led films to plan their schedules around in more than decade. Wonder Woman, portrayed by Gal Gadot, is exactly who young girls growing up in a Trumpian regime need to see at the movies. Add in the fact that Patty Jenkins (“Monster”) helmed Diana Prince’s story and, honestly, we couldn’t be happier if we had bullet-deflecting bracelets.
“Rock That Body” — Co-Written and Directed by Lucia Aniello (June 16)
It’s a safe bet that “Rock That Body,” a comedy about a bachelorette party gone awry, has something to appeal to everyone. “Broad City” fans will come for co-writer-director Lucia Aniello’s comedic mastery, at turns bawdy, surreal, caustic, and gut-busting. Connoisseurs of the female gaze (looking at you, “Magic Mike: XXL” and “Outlander” fans) will enjoy the male strippers. And for people who think “Bridesmaids” and “Bachelorette” are the gold standard for female-centric, R-rated comedies (i.e. us), this film is like winning the lottery.
“The Beguiled” — Written and Directed by Sofia Coppola (June 30)
This is Sofia Coppola’s first movie since 2013 and sees her reunited with “Somewhere” star Elle Fanning and frequent muse Kirsten Dunst. Adapted from the 1971 film of the same name, Coppola’s Civil War-set “The Beguiled” is about an injured Union soldier who’s brought to convalesce at a Confederate girls boarding school. Given Coppola’s track record for exploring stories about unexpected, strong human connection (“Lost in Translation,” “Somewhere”) and the decay of seemingly bulletproof institutions (“The Virgin Suicides,” “Marie Antoinette,” “The Bling Ring”), it’s all but guaranteed that Coppola will find a new, compelling story to tell from this oft-explored period of American history.
“Girls Trip” — Co-Written by Tracy Oliver, Karen Mccullah, and Erica Rivinoja (July 21)
Who doesn’t love a good road trip comedy? That’s exactly what “Girls Trip” promises: laughs, love, and at its heart, female friendships. Starring Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Regina Hall, the film follows four lifelong friends who travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Music Festival. Along the way, their friendships are rekindled and their wild sides come out. It’s everything you could want out of a comedy, but actually features black women as the leads rather than just the best friends of leads. As Hollywood continues to try and stick to the status quo, this comedy should shake things up in a positive and hilarious way.
“Pitch Perfect 3” — Directed by Trish Sie; Written by Kay Cannon (December 22)
The pitches are back for the third time in the threequel to the smash hit “Pitch Perfect.” Featuring returning actresses Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Brittany Snow, and Anna Camp, the next film in the franchise is being kept under wraps, with only the phrase “get ready to have a Merry Pitchmas” to keep fans going. We can assume the film will be set around the holidays, so get ready to hear some aca-awesome holiday mashups from everyone’s favorite a cappella group.
Expected in 2017, but No Official Release Dates Yet:
“Battle of the Sexes” — Co-Directed by Valerie Faris
If only “Battle of the Sexes” had been released in 2016. For some reason, a past-his-prime, blowhard misogynist publicly facing off against a talented woman coping with a sexist shitstorm just seems really relevant. History does, indeed, repeat itself, as displayed by this true story about the famous tennis match between Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell, reuniting with his “Little Miss Sunshine” directors). But this is much more than a sports movie. Riggs v. King, also known as the Battle of the Sexes, brought the Women’s Movement to popular culture (effectively making it a household issue), changed the trajectory of women’s sports, and unequivocally proved that women are just as athletic, physically capable, and competitive as men.
“Disobedience” — Co-Written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz
“The one who got away” is a fairly ubiquitous movie trope, but the upcoming “Disobedience” has a decidedly new take on the narrative staple. Based on Naomi Alderman’s novel of the same name, the film is about Ronit’s (Rachel Weisz) homecoming after her father, an Orthodox Rabbi, dies. She reconnects with her childhood best friend and lover, Esti (Rachel McAdams). Making things even more complicated and heartbreaking? Esti is married to Ronit’s cousin. Movies about relationships that might have been are a dime a dozen, but “Disobedience’s” exploration about how queerness and religion factors into forbidden romance makes this a must-see for 2017.
“Euphoria”— Written and Directed by Lisa Langseth
The first film from Alicia Vikander’s Vikarious Productions, “Euphoria” explores the strained relationship between two sisters (Vikander and Eva Green) as they travel through Europe. The film, from writer-director Lisa Langseth, seems to be a sign of good things to come from Vikarious. Vikander has commented about her admiration for Langseth and their previous working relationship. Further, she has cited the “compelling female voices” and “female talent [on] both sides of the camera” as part of her interest in “Euphoria.” That’s about all the information available about the film, but, really, they had us at “Alicia Vikander and Eva Green.”
“The Female Brain”— Directed by Whitney Cummings; Co-Written by Whitney Cummings and Louann Brizendine
Based on the non-fiction book by Louann Brizendine, Whitney Cummings’ “The Female Brain” takes a similar tactic as “He’s Just Not That Into You” and “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”: molding information from a self-help/medical text into a relationship comedy. Cummings has described Brizendine’s book as life-changing and said she’s excited for her directorial debut to show “how both men and women are often challenged and undermined by their reptilian brains and primordial fears.” Sounds hilarious to us already!
“Lioness”— Directed by Reed Morano; Written by Rosalind Ross
Ellen Page is set to star as Leslie Martz, a U.S. Marine officer sent to Afghanistan on a mission to work with Afghan women and gain intelligence about their husbands in the Taliban. This powerful drama will bring a new perspective to the conflict that has dominated the globe for nearly fifteen years, and the all-female creative team is sure to provide a balanced and nuanced look at both the women in the army and living under Taliban rule.
“A Storm in the Stars”— Directed by Haifaa Al-Mansour; Co-Written by Haifaa Al-Mansour and Emma Jensen (UK Release)
We tend to associate “Frankenstein” with a large, bolt-necked green man, but the mother of all horror actually came from the mind of a teenage girl. “A Storm in the Stars” traces the relationship between “Frankenstein” author Mary Shelley (Elle Fanning) — when she was still Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin — and the married Percy Shelley. Fanning has blossomed into one of Hollywood’s best young actresses, and has a pattern of taking great roles in movies by and/or about women (“20th Century Women,” “The Beguiled,” “Somewhere,” and “Ginger and Rosa,” to name a few). With her and writer-director Haifaa Al-Mansour’s pedigrees, we’re confident that “A Storm in the Stars” will be a worthy character study of one of literature’s most underrated authors.
“Where Hands Touch” — Written and Directed by Amma Asante
“Where Hands Touch” will likely be one of the most relevant and important films of 2017. Amma Asante’s next project explores the relationship between a mixed-race German girl (Amandla Stenberg, “The Hunger Games”) and a German soldier during World War II. In the wake of November 8 and Brexit, this movie might be exactly what our culture needs to snap out of its hateful navel-gazing. In the U.S. especially, there has been willful apathy about the rise of an unqualified demagogue and the country’s persistently shameful racial dynamics. Perhaps Stenberg’s portrayal of a young woman at the epicenter of fascism and racism will give some Trump supporters a well-needed dose of self-awareness. We can only hope.
