Whether they’re romantic comedies, suspenseful thrillers, or spoofs, each one of this month’s VOD and web series picks gives us a look at how women handle societal pressures. These female-led projects depict protagonists struggling to break the mold society has cast for them, and forging their own path.

In “It Had to Be You,” writer-director Sasha Gordon examines whether marriage gets in the way of a woman’s goals for the rest of her life. Sophia Takal’s “Always Shine” depicts the bitter rivalry between two close friends, and forces audiences to reckon with the role society plays in pitting women against one another. Originally released in 1996, Cheryl Dunye’s “The Watermelon Woman” follows a video store clerk determined to learn more about a mysterious actress from the distant past with whom she feels a connection.

Both of our web series picks focus on women who try — and sometimes succeed — in stepping outside of conventional household roles. In “The Katering Show,” a brazen and hilarious pair of women satirize the cooking shows that are becoming increasingly ubiquitous. On “MUTHA,” a housewife works to step outside of her role as a wife, and fights toward her own dream of becoming a rapper. Each one of these picks showcase women who step outside of the roles that society forces them into.

Here are our VOD and web series selections for February.

VOD

“It Had to Be You” — Written and Directed by Sasha Gordon

Starring the marvelous Cristin Milioti, “It Had to Be You” follows Sonia (Milioti), a jingle writer who dreams of a life filled with adventure. When her boyfriend (Dan Soder, “Billions”) suddenly proposes and gives her an ultimatum, Sonia feels forced to choose between pursuing her dreams or settling down. “It Had to Be You” has plenty of wit and charm, and features a winning performance from Milioti. The film earned an honorable mention at the Woodstock Film Festival.

You can watch “It Had to Be You” on iTunes.

“Always Shine” — Directed by Sophia Takal

A blood-curdling thriller, “Always Shine” follows two aspiring actresses and friends who spend a weekend together in a secluded cabin in the woods. Featuring wonderful performances from Caitlin FitzGerald (“Masters of Sex”) and Mackenzie Davis (“Halt and Catch Fire”), “Always Shine” takes a look at the jealousy that has taken root in the friends’ relationship. Takal’s direction is deft and often surprising, adding tension to even the lightest moments. The film was selected for the Tribeca Film Festival, where Davis picked up the best actress prize.

You can find “Always Shine” on iTunes.

“The Watermelon Woman” — Written and Directed by Cheryl Dunye

“The Watermelon Woman” recently got a remastered re-release in honor of its 20th anniversary, one which will hopefully allow more people to see it. The film follows Cheryl (played by the film’s writer-director, Cheryl Dunye) as she attempts to unravel the story behind Fae Richards, a black actress from the 1930s who was known as “The Watermelon Woman.” The film uses Dunye’s investigation to speak to both the past and present of the struggles women of color in Hollywood and around the world. Richards’ story complements Cheryl’s, as she faces personal upheavals surrounding her burgeoning relationship with a white woman (Guinevere Turner, “The L Word”) and her relationship with her best friend (Valarie Walker).

You can watch “The Watermelon Woman” on iTunes.

Web Series

“The Katering Show” — Created by Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan

The pun at the heart of “The Katering Show” perfectly summarizes the comedy at its center. Australian hosts and creators Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan mercilessly mock TV’s obsession with food, and have distinguished themselves for their willingness to bring anything and everything into their kitchen. No food-related topic is off limits, from food trucks to food porn. McCartney and McLennan are a hilarious duo who use their show’s format to satirize our “cultural food revolution.”

You can find “The Katering Show” on YouTube.

“MUTHA” — Created by Mandy May Cheetham

Although she’s new to Hollywood, Mandy May Cheetham’s “MUTHA” is a promising debut. Cheetham stars in the show, which looks at a suburban housewife who dreams of becoming a rapper. Cheetham’s story is one of aspiration, and it mirrors her real life struggle to get the show made and put in front of an audience. “MUTHA” seeks to complicate popular narratives about married women, and does so in a compelling, hilarious, and fascinating way.

You can find “MUTHA” on Vimeo.