By Kara Headley and Vicki A. Lee
Spring is around the corner, and as the world comes into bloom to offer us renewed hope after the long winter, new women-centric films are coming to the big screen to do the same.
The arrival of spring ushers in fresh opportunities that energize the imagination. We see this creative energy in full force with this month’s swath of films centered around artists’ fight for their beloved craft as well as the transformative power of art. For instance, Ulrike Ottinger’s “Paris Calligrammes” (April 23) is an ode to her years as a painter in Paris in the 1960s as well as a tribute to a city that has cultivated artists for generations. Greta Bellamacina’s “Hurt by Paradise” (April 6) tells the story of two aspiring creatives, a poet and an actress, juggling the baggage of modern life with the pursuit of their dreams.
Motherhood is another strong theme that ties together many of this month’s films. “This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection” (April 2) follows a bereaved mother and her fight to keep her village alive after provincial officials decide to build a dam and flood the land, and Maria Sødahl’s “Hope” (April 16) focuses on the matriarch of a large family as she battles cancer and reconnects with her partner. In Bettina Oberli’s “My Wonderful Wanda” (April 23), a Polish caretaker learns how to navigate her charge’s family and eventually find a way to integrate her own. Nikole Beckwith’s “Together Together” (April 23) sees a young woman bonding with the older single man who has hired her as his gestational surrogate.
Also among April’s notable releases is Emma Seligman’s “Shiva Baby” (April 2), a portrait of a soon-to-be college grad attending the most stressful, claustrophobic shiva of her life. Other films releasing include Corinna Faith’s horror pic “The Power” (April 8), Charlène Favier’s #MeToo-themed drama “Slalom” (April 9), and Maureen Bharoocha’s empowering sports comedy “Golden Arm” (April 30).
Here are the women-centric, women-directed, and women-written films debuting this April. All descriptions are from press materials unless otherwise noted.
April 2
“Shiva Baby” – Written and Directed by Emma Seligman (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
“Shiva Baby”
A near college graduate, Danielle (Rachel Sennott), gets paid by her sugar daddy and rushes to meet her neurotic parents at a family shiva. Upon arrival, she is accosted by various estranged relatives about her appearance and lack of post-grad plans, while her confident ex-girlfriend, Maya (Molly Gordon), is applauded by everyone for getting into law school. Danielle’s day takes an unexpected turn when her sugar daddy, Max (Danny Deferrari), arrives at the shiva with his accomplished wife, Kim (Dianna Agron), and crying baby. As the day unfolds, Danielle struggles to keep up different versions of herself, fend off pressures from her family, and confront her insecurities without completely losing it.
“The Man Who Sold His Skin” – Written and Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania (In Theaters)
“The Man Who Sold His Skin” tells the story of Sam Ali (Yahya Mahayni), a young, sensitive, and impulsive Syrian, who left his country for Lebanon to escape the war. To be able to travel to Europe and live with the love of his life, he accepts to have his back tattooed by one of by the world’s most sulfurous contemporary artists. Turning his own body into a prestigious piece of art, Sam will come to realize that his decision might actually mean anything but freedom.
“Madame Claude” – Directed by Sylvie Verheyde; Written by Sylvie Verheyde, Patrick Rocher, and Antoine Salomé (Available on Netflix)
Paris, the late 1960s. Madame Claude (Karole Rocher) is at the head of a flourishing business dedicated to prostitution that gives her power over both the French political and criminal worlds. But the end of her empire is closer than she thinks.
“This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection” (Available in Virtual Cinemas)
“This Is Not a Burial, It’s a Resurrection”
In the mountains of Lesotho, an 80-year-old widow named Mantoa (Mary Twala) eagerly awaits the return of her son — her only living kin — from the South African mines where he works. When instead she receives news of his death, she puts her affairs in order and makes arrangements to be buried in the local cemetery. Her careful plans are upset abruptly by the news that provincial officials intend to resettle the village, flood the entire area, and build a dam for a reservoir. Determined to die on her own terms and in her own land, Mantoa resolves to defend the spiritual heritage of her community.
“The Unholy” (In Theaters)
“The Unholy” follows Alice (Cricket Brown), a young hearing-impaired girl who, after a supposed visitation from the Virgin Mary, is inexplicably able to hear, speak, and heal the sick. As word spreads and people from near and far flock to witness her miracles, a disgraced journalist (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) hoping to revive his career visits the small New England town to investigate. When terrifying events begin to happen all around, he starts to question if these phenomena are the works of the Virgin Mary or something much more sinister.
“Mapplethorpe: The Director’s Cut” – Directed by Ondi Timoner; Written by Ondi Timoner and Mikko Alanne (Available on VOD)
Photographer Robert Mapplethorpe (Matt Smith) was among the most consequential and controversial artists of the 20th century. “Mapplethorpe: The Director’s Cut” offers restored scenes depicting Mapplethorpe’s childhood love of photography, his embattled relationship with his father, and his lingering, ambivalent connection to the Catholic faith. The film follows Robert’s important love affair with Patti Smith (Marianne Rendón) and his subsequent, pivotal romance with powerhouse art collector Sam Wagstaff (John Benjamin Hickey). We see Mapplethorpe’s development of a precise, erotically-charged photographic style, along with his ultimately successful struggle to attain mainstream recognition — a status interrupted, although barely halted, by his untimely death from AIDS.
“A Tale of Winter” (Re-Release) (Available in Virtual Cinemas)
Five years after losing touch with a summer fling, a woman has difficulty choosing between her two suitors.
“Just Say Yes” – Written by Marie Kiebert, Appie Boudellah, Mustapha Boudellah, and Maarten van den Broek (Available on Netflix)
Incurable romantic Lotte (Yolanthe Cabau) finds her life upended when her plans for a picture-perfect wedding unravel — just as her self-absorbed sister gets engaged.
April 6
“Hurt by Paradise” – Directed by Greta Bellamacina; Written by Greta Bellamacina, Sadie Brown, and Robert Montgomery (Available on VOD)
“Hurt by Paradise”
A young poet (Greta Bellamacina) and an aspiring actress (Sadie Brown) pursue their creative dreams, while supporting each other, as they navigate the balancing act of family responsibilities, modern dating, and the inevitable strain of limited finances.
“Sugar Daddy” – Directed by Wendy Morgan; Written by Kelly McCormack (Available on VOD)
Darren (Kelly McCormack) is a wickedly talented and unconventional young musician who dreams of making music like nobody has ever heard before. But she’s broke, juggling multiple part-time jobs, and has no time to create. Desperate for cash, she signs up to a sugar daddy paid-dating website and throws herself down a dark rabbit hole that forces her to grow up fast, shaping her music and how she sees the world.
April 8
“The Power” – Written and Directed by Corinna Faith (Available on Shudder)
London, 1974. As Britain prepares for electrical blackouts to sweep across the country, trainee nurse Val (Rose Williams) arrives for her first day at the crumbling East London Royal Infirmary. With most of the patients and staff evacuated to another hospital, Val is forced to work the night shift, finding herself in a dark, near empty building. Within these walls lies a deadly secret, forcing Val to face both her own traumatic past and deepest fears in order to confront the malevolent force that’s intent on destroying everything around her.
April 9
“Slalom” – Directed by Charlène Favier; Written by Charlène Favier and Marie Talon (In Theaters and Available in Virtual Cinemas)
“Slalom”
This riveting, Cannes-selected #MeToo drama from debut filmmaker Charlène Favier follows the relationship between a teenage ski prodigy and her predatory instructor (Jérémie Renier). In a breakthrough role, Noée Abita plays 15-year-old Lyz, a high school student in the French Alps who has been accepted to an elite ski club known for producing some of the country’s top professional athletes. Taking a chance on his new recruit, ex-champion turned coach Fred decides to mold Lyz into his shining star despite her lack of experience. Under his influence, she will have to endure more than the physical and emotional pressure of the training. Will Lyz’s determination help her escape Fred’s exploitative grip?
“Thunder Force” (Available on Netflix)
“Thunder Force”
In a world where supervillains are commonplace, two estranged childhood best friends reunite after one devises a treatment that gives them powers to protect their city.
“Held” – Written by Jill Awbrey (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
A couple’s (Jill Awbrey, Bart Johnson) ailing marriage gets put to the test when they are held hostage in an isolated vacation rental by an unseen voice that commands their every move and threatens harm if they don’t obey.
“My True Fairytale” (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
Angie Goodwin (Emma Kennedy) runs away after a horrific car crash to make her dream of becoming a superhero come true.
“The Tunnel” – Written by Kjersti Helen Rasmussen (Available on VOD)
When a truck crashes inside a tunnel, people on their way home for Christmas are brutally trapped in a deadly fire. With a blizzard raging outside, and the first responders struggling to get to the accident, it’s every man for himself.
April 15
“Ride or Die” (Available on Netflix)
Rei (Kiko Mizuhara) helps the woman she’s been in love with for years escape her abusive husband. While on the run, their feelings for each other catch fire.
April 16
“Hope” – Written and Directed by Maria Sødahl (In Theaters and Available in Virtual Cinemas)
“Hope”
Anja (Andrea Bræin Hovig) and Tomas (Stellan Skarsgård) have a large family of biological children and stepchildren. Over a number of years the two partners have grown apart and independent of each other, with busy creative careers in parallel worlds. When Anja gets a terminal cancer diagnosis, their life breaks down and exposes the neglected love. Alone with her grief and her fears, Anja realizes that she needs Tomas’ full help and support, and the two embark on a challenging journey in which they discover themselves and each other anew.
“Reefa” – Written and Directed by Jessica Kavana Dornbusch (Available on VOD)
“Reefa” is based on the true story of Israel “Reefa” Hernandez Jr. (Tyler Dean Flores), an 18-year-old Colombian immigrant and art prodigy, who is spending his last summer in Miami with friends, family, and his new girl Frankie before moving to New York City on an art scholarship. While Israel and his friends skateboard the city streets and spray-paint the walls of Wynwood, Miami’s graffiti Mecca, anxieties emerge twofold: Israel and his family nervously await their Green Cards while he desperately seeks recognition for his art. When Israel decides to spray paint one last wall, a piece which would command immediate respect from his peers, a sudden encounter with a vengeful Miami police officer leaves his family and friends devastated, the Miami community outraged, and the country reeling from another case of police brutality.
“Night of the Sicario” (In Theaters; Available on VOD April 20)
While transporting the family of a key witness in a federal trial against the cartel, DEA agents are ambushed in a fatal shootout. Now the survivors, including the witness’ young daughter, must take refuge in a nearby home as the ruthless sicarios hunt them down. With danger at every corner and a violent hurricane wiping out any chance of outside help, they must play a deadly game of cat and mouse with the cartel to live through the night.
“Autumn Tale” (Re-Release) (Available in Virtual Cinemas)
“Autumn Tale”
A widow’s best friend tries to find her a new husband, but the ad posted in the newspaper attracts more than one possibility.
“Jakob’s Wife” – Written by Kathy Charles, Mark Steensland, and Travis Stevens (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
Anne (Barbara Crampton) is married to a small-town minister and feels like her life and marriage have been shrinking over the past 30 years. After a chance encounter with “The Master” (Bonnie Aarons), she discovers bite marks on her neck, a new sense of power and an appetite to live bigger and bolder than ever. As Anne is increasingly torn between her enticing new existence and her life before, the body count grows and Jakob (Larry Fessenden) realizes he will have to fight for the wife he took for granted.
“Killer Among Us” (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
On the Fourth of July, a rookie female cop partners with a veteran detective to save the life of a high-school student from a radicalized serial killer.
April 20
“Grace Fury” (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Laura Carruthers (Available on VOD)
Filmmaker, choreographer, ballerina, and Scottish Dance champion Laura Carruthers leads world class performing artists in the stunning “Grace Fury.” The feature film travels the elements of her personal story as an artist on a breathtaking flight of dynamic choreography, cinematography, realization, and resolve. A reflection of Laura’s years of pioneering in the arts, “Grace Fury” speaks both poetically and candidly to the challenges of building independent projects outside, between, and across domains as a woman.
“Vanquish” (Available on VOD)
“Vanquish”
A mother, Victoria (Ruby Rose), is trying to put her dark past as a Russian drug courier behind her, but retired cop Damon (Morgan Freeman) forces Victoria to do his bidding by holding her daughter hostage. Now, Victoria must use guns, guts, and a motorcycle to take out a series of violent gangsters — or she may never see her child again.
“The Marijuana Conspiracy” (Available on VOD)
In 1972, five young women looking for a fresh start in life become part of a radical experiment studying the effects of weed on women. Despite the agendas of the government, they use their unique strengths and friendship to overcome adversity.
April 23
“Together Together” – Written and Directed by Nikole Beckwith (In Theaters)
“Together Together”
When young loner Anna (Patti Harrison) is hired as the gestational surrogate for Matt (Ed Helms), a single man in his 40s who wants a child, the two strangers come to realize this unexpected relationship will quickly challenge their perceptions of connection, boundaries, and the particulars of love.
“My Wonderful Wanda” – Directed by Bettina Oberli; Written by Bettina Oberli and Cooky Ziesche (In Theaters and Available in Virtual Cinemas)
“My Wonderful Wanda” is a delightful satire of the “haves” and the “have-nots” set against the backdrop of a gorgeous lakeside villa in Switzerland. At the story’s center is Wanda (Agnieszka Grochowska), a Polish caretaker who has left her own small children with her parents in Poland to look after Josef (André Jung), the stroke-ridden patriarch of the wealthy Wegmeister-Gloor dynasty. Wanda is adept in navigating the tricky family dynamics between the two grown — if still childish — offspring and the elegant if controlling matriarch Elsa (Marthe Keller). When Wanda becomes pregnant, the destinies of her Polish family and Josef’s family intertwine, and this unexpected event turns everything upside down.
“Paris Calligrammes” (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Ulrike Ottinger (Available in Virtual Cinemas)
“Paris Calligrammes”
“Paris Calligrammes” is a rich, kaleidoscopic torrent of archival audio and visuals, paired with Ulrike Ottinger’s artwork and excerpts from her films. She compellingly resurrects the old Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Latin Quarter, with their literary cafés and jazz clubs, and revisits encounters with Jewish exiles, life with her artistic community, the worldviews of Parisian ethnologists and philosophers, the political upheavals of the Algerian War and May 1968, and the legacy of the colonial era.
“We Broke Up” – Written by Laura Jacqmin and Jeff Rosenberg (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
Lori and Doug (Aya Cash, William Jackson Harper), a longtime couple, break up just days before Lori’s little sister’s wedding. In order to not disrupt the fun, the couple decides to pretend they’re still together until the weekend is over.
“Bloodthirsty” – Directed by Amelia Moses; Written by Wendy Hill-Tout and Lowell (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
Grey (Lauren Beatty) is an indie singer who is having visions that she is a wolf. When she gets an invitation to work with notorious music producer Vaughn Daniels (Greg Bryk) at his remote studio in the woods, she begins to find out who she really is.
“Wildcat” (In Theaters; Available on VOD April 27)
An ambitious reporter (Georgina Campbell) stationed in the Middle East is taken captive after a militant group ambushes her convoy. Convinced that the young woman is hiding her true identity, they’ll stop at nothing to extract information crucial to the success of their upcoming terrorist attack. With time running out, she must find a way to survive and turn the tables on her assailants.
“Sweet River” (Available on VOD)
Desperate to find her son’s body, a woman travels to a suspected serial killer’s hometown and discovers many dark secrets.
April 27
“Best Summer Ever” – Directed by Lauren Smitelli and Michael Parks Randa; Written by Lauren Smitelli, Terra Mackintosh, Andrew Pilkington, Will Halby, and Michael Parks Randa (Available on VOD)
“Best Summer Ever”
“Best Summer Ever” follows Sage (Shannon DeVido) and Anthony (Rickey Wilson Jr.), who upon meeting and falling in love at a dance camp over summer break, think they won’t see each other again until the following summer. However, Sage, by a twist of fate, arrives unexpectedly at the same high school as Anthony. Now faced with the drama of high school cliques, an evil cheerleader, and the illegal secret that keeps Sage’s family on the move, they are forced to reevaluate their relationship as Tony struggles to be both the high school football star and the dancer he’s always wanted to be.
April 29
“Things Heard and Seen” – Written and Directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (Available on Netflix)
Catherine Clare (Amanda Seyfried) reluctantly trades life in 1980s Manhattan for a remote home in the tiny hamlet of Chosen, New York, after her husband George (James Norton) lands a job teaching art history at a small Hudson Valley college. Even as she does her best to transform the old dairy farm into a place where her young daughter will be happy, Catherine increasingly finds herself isolated and alone. She soon comes to sense a sinister darkness lurking both in the walls of the ramshackle property — and in her marriage to George.
April 30
“Golden Arm” – Directed by Maureen Bharoocha; Written by Ann Marie Allison and Jenna Milly (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
“Golden Arm”
When her best friend, Danny (Betsy Sodaro), ropes her into taking her spot at the Women’s Arm Wrestling Championship, Melanie (Mary Holland), who is a baker, must trade whisks for barbells to compete against the reigning champ for a chance at the grand prize.
“Four Good Days” (In Theaters)
In an emotional journey based on a true story, 31-year-old Molly (Mila Kunis) begs her estranged mother Deb (Glenn Close) for help fighting a fierce battle against the demons that have derailed her life. Despite all she has learned over a decade of disappointment, grief, and rage, Deb throws herself into one last attempt to save her beloved daughter from the deadly and merciless grip of heroin addiction.
“Separation” (In Theaters)
A young girl finds solace in her artist father and the ghost of her dead mother.
“Percy vs Goliath” – Written by Hilary Pryor and Garfield Lindsay Miller (In Theaters and Available on VOD)
Percy Schmeiser (Christopher Walken), a third-generation farmer, is sued by a corporate giant for allegedly using their patented seeds. With little resources to fight the giant legal battle, Percy joins forces with up-and-coming attorney Jackson Weaver (Zach Braff) and environmental activist Rebecca Salcau (Christina Ricci) to fight one of the most monumental cases all the way up to the Supreme Court.
