We’re huge fans of many female-led films this year, and were especially pleased to see some real-life heroines have their stories depicted on the big screen. The women behind “Hidden Figures” and chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi of “Queen of Katwe” were overdue for recognition, and their amazing, inspirational journeys were a joy to watch unfold.
Some of our other favorite women- and girl-centric films of 2016, such as “American Honey” and “Certain Women,” were included in our roundup of the year’s best women-directed films.
“20th Century Women”
In 1979, a hippie mother (Annette Bening) who feels she’s losing touch with her teenage son recruits two young women (Greta Gerwig and Elle Fanning) to help him grow up. The film lovingly combines his coming of age tale with the stories of the women around him him who influence his life. “20th Century Women” is not only an exploration of three very different generations of women, but an exploration of how they’re all perceived as females in the time period. It’s a lovely work with outstanding performances from all especially from hopeful Oscar nominee Annette Bening.
“Hidden Figures” — Co-Written by Allison Schroeder
“Hidden Figures” tells the extraordinary true story of Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe), the brilliant African-American women working at NASA who served as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The space race of the 1960s would not have been won here in America without these women, yet they were invisible in many historical tellings of the era. Until now. Prepare to be inspired. It’s about time that women of the space race were celebrated like the dudes of “The Right Stuff” or “Apollo 13.”
“Miss Sloane”
Jessica Chastain never shrinks from tackling complex female characters, and “Miss Sloane” is no exception. She stars as Elizabeth Sloane, the most sought-after and formidable lobbyist in Washington’s world of powerful political figures. But when she decides to square off against the gun lobby to push for universal background checks, she is in for the biggest fight of her life, one that she cannot win. Chastain has long been one of Hollywood’s most talented and powerful actresses, lighting up the screen as both a supporting character and leading lady. “Miss Sloane” has already garnered Chastain a Golden Globe nomination, and only time will tell if this film will see her earn her second Oscar nomination for her work.
“Moana” — Co-Written by Pamela Ribon
Disney’s latest princess doesn’t need any rescuing. The film tells the story of Moana (Auli’i Cravalho), a young woman who is drawn to the ocean, despite her family’s insistence that she stay on their island. However, destiny is calling to her, and soon Moana sets off on a journey to save her people and their world. Along the way, she teams up with demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who both helps and hinders her on her quest. What ensues is a story about accepting who you are and finding the courage to face your destiny. With music by “Hamilton” scribe Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Moana” sets sail straight into audience’s hearts.
“Toni Erdmann” — Written and Directed by Maren Ade
Believe the hype: “Toni Erdmann” is a gem of a movie. Maren Ade’s award-winning comedy made us laugh out loud and broke our hearts. The plot centers on Winifried (Peter Simonichek) and Ines (Sandra Hüller), two radically different people who happen to be father and daughter. Ines is an overworked, polished management consultant who is deeply invested in other people’s opinions of her. Winifried, a music teacher, thrives on defying expectations, plotting and executing elaborate practical jokes, and entertaining others with his shocking antics. Winifried and Ines don’t seem to share any common ground, but as “Toni Erdmann” progresses, it becomes clear that the they care for one another deeply, and despite her best efforts to conform, Ines clearly possesses more of her father’s mischievous, playful spirit than she realizes, which fully apparent during a raucous party scene that is one of the best scenes of the year.
“Arrival”
“Arrival” introduces audiences to a new sort of hero, and one that we embraced with open arms. Amy Adams plays renowned linguist Dr. Louise Banks, an ordinary mortal who lacks superpowers of any kind. She still has a great deal to offer: exceptional intelligence, empathy, and communication skills. Dr. Banks is assigned with one helluva daunting task — to make first contact with extraterrestrials who have landed on earth. “She’s not heroic in the traditional sense,” Adams said of Dr. Banks. “I love that she gets to rely on her intellect and instinct as opposed to brawn and bravery.” We love this about Dr. Banks, too. This thoughtful, emotional, and atmospheric take on the threat of a potential alien takeover is a must-watch.
“Queen of Katwe” — Directed by Mira Nair
“Queen of Katwe” introduces audiences to the story of Phiona Mutesi (Madina Nalwanga), Uganda’s chess prodigy. The film is based on a true story. Phiona stumbles upon the game in moment of chance. She’s searching for food and finds herself among a group playing chess. Director Mira Nair creates a perfect balance between traditional Disney feel good moments and the realities of living in Katwe, Uganda. As one of Phiona’s classmates observes, “In chess, the small one can become the big one.” This moment propels Phiona’s story forward. She grows and develops as a chess player and as a young girl learning about circumstances and opportunities available with hard work and dedication.
“The Edge of Seventeen” — Written and Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig
Writer-director Kelly Fremon Craig’s “The Edge of Seventeen” pulls off a tricky feat: honestly depicting the unhappiness most of us feel in high school, while showcasing the inherent comedy of teenage self-absorption. Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) is miserable. She’s a smart, observant young woman with a special talent for zeroing in on people’s flaws and knowing exactly how to verbally eviscerate them. She’s also still mourning her late father, and can barely tolerate anyone around her (least of all herself). So, it feels like a personal affront when her best friend (Haley Lu Richardson) starts dating her golden boy brother (Blake Jenner), even though it doesn’t have anything to do with Nadine at all. Keeping all this angst in mind, Steinfeld’s flawless performance allows Nadine to be grating, sympathetic, petty, heartbreaking, and extremely fun to watch. Steinfeld is up for a Golden Globe for her performance. In a just world, Steinfeld and the film would be garnering more awards-buzz. But awards won’t really matter in the long run: “The Edge of Seventeen” is already a classic.
Check out more of our end of year coverage:
The Best Women-Directed Films of 2016: “American Honey,” “The Fits,” & More
