FILMS ABOUT WOMEN OPENING AND COMING TO STREAMING/VOD

The Stand-In – Directed by Jamie Babbit 

“The Stand-In”

A washed-up movie star, Candy (Drew Barrymore), busted for tax evasion, hires her former stand-in, Paula (also Drew Barrymore), to attend rehab in her place. A strange co-dependent relationship develops as Candy realizes she can use Paula as a stand-in for all the stressful bits of life. But Paula fully embraces her new identity, taking over Candy’s career and boyfriend, finally kicking Candy out of her own house! Candy must now survive in the real world while Paula clings to the fracturing celebrity life of her dreams.

“The Stand-In” is now in theaters and available on VOD.

Finding Yingying (Documentary) – Directed by Jiayan “Jenny” Shi

“Finding Yingying”

A loving portrait of a young woman robbed of her bright future, “Finding Yingying” also serves as an indictment of the true crime genre, which all too often treats victims of violent crimes as little more than anonymous supporting characters in their killer’s story. First-time director Jiayan “Jenny” Shi puts Yingying Zhang and her family at the center of her doc about 26-year-old Yingying’s disappearance. The Chinese visiting scholar had been in the United States less than two months when she went missing from her Illinois campus. Though they didn’t know one another personally, Shi and Yingying both attended Peking University in China, and Shi happened to be studying as an international student just hours away from where Yingying disappeared. Shi’s close connection to Yingying, and her decision to include voiceovers of herself reading Yingying’s diary entries, makes for a radically personal and powerful documentary, and one that makes a compelling case for telling more nuanced stories about the people who are left behind — and lost —  in headline-making tragedies. (Laura Berger)

Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Jiayan “Jenny” Shi.

“Finding Yingying” is now in virtual cinemas. Find screening info here.

Through the Night (Documentary) – Directed by Loira Limbal

Described by director Loira Limbal as “a love letter to single mothers and caregivers,” “Through the Night” takes us inside a 24-hour daycare center in New Rochelle, NY. The documentary focuses on Deloris “Nunu” Hogan, who has spent over two decades taking care of children alongside her husband at Dee’s Tots Daycare. “Through the Night” is a tender portrait of a different kind of family. Yes, Nunu is paid for her services, but her love for these children, and theirs for her, is undeniable. She’s not just keeping them safe and fed — no small feat with so many kids under her care — she’s also forming deep emotional bonds with them. Running Dee’s Tots is so much more than a job for Nunu. It’s her calling. Running the daycare has taken a toll on her physical health, marriage, and relationship with her own kids, but it seems unimaginable for her to ever give it up. She is there for these babies and kids when their parents, many of whom are single moms, can’t be, ensuring that they are well taken care of, and equally importantly, well loved, in their absence. Dee’s Tots is a community that’s founded on and governed with love. (LB)

Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Loira Limbal.

“Through the Night” is now in virtual cinemas. Find screening info here.

The Never List – Directed by Michelle Mower; Written by Ariadne Shaffer 

Sixteen-year old Eva (Fivel Stewart) is as overachieving as they come. She is running for student class president while juggling a heavy academic schedule and planning the upcoming spring dance. Eva dreams of becoming a comic book artist – something she knows her helicopter mom would never support. Eva and her childhood best friend, Liz (Brenna D’Amico), like to “dress up” and pretend to be not-so-straight-laced girls named “Vicky” and “Veronica.” Together, they imagine their alter-egos doing highly questionable and even illegal acts, things Eva and Liz would never do themselves. They document these naughty acts in “The Never List.” When Liz suddenly dies in a tragic accident, Eva is filled with anger and regret thinking about all the things Liz never did out of fear of risking her future — a future she ultimately would never have. Eva decides the best way to honor her best friend’s memory is to complete “The Never List.”

“The Never List” is now in theaters. Find screening info here.

Dirty God – Directed by Sacha Polak; Written by Sacha Polak and Susanne Farrell 

“Dirty God”

“Dirty God” takes on the nexus of gendered violence and sexual objectification through the portrait of one young woman. Jade (newcomer Vicky Knight) is trying to rebuild her life after an acid attack by her ex leaves her with scars on her arms, torso, and face. As she contends with PTSD and an ongoing fear of her ex, even after he is imprisoned for his actions, Jade is also forced to adjust to a new position in the world: before the attack, she was considered conventionally attractive. Now she finds herself flailing, and looking for new ways to connect to prospective romantic partners, her family, her friends, and her colleagues. What sets “Dirty God” apart from many other stories about injury and violence against women is its authenticity. Many of Jade’s scars are real: when she was eight, Knight survived a fire and was left with burns on 33 percent of her body. Likewise, many of the experiences Jade has in the movie — the bullying, the mocking, the humiliation, the self-deprecation — are ones Knight has gone through herself. But the movie’s goal of representation didn’t rest solely on the actress’ shoulders: the filmmakers also conducted extensive interviews with other burn survivors, ensuring that Jade’s story was told sensitively, and honestly. (Rachel Montpelier)

Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Sacha Polak.

“Dirty God” is now in virtual cinemas. It will be available on VOD December 15.

My First and Last Film (Documentary) – Directed by Tracey Thomas

A retired tech executive, Tracey Thomas never even considered making a film. But after turning 60, she found herself in the midst of a new sort of existential crisis: what is aging? What do we do with our time here? What does it mean to make it through six decades, and how much more is to come? Camera in hand, and with the help of her romantic and filmmaking partner Dennis, Thomas began conversations with friends, family, academics, and others, skipping the small talk and delving right into the unique wisdom and perspective that comes with aging. When Dennis is unexpectedly diagnosed with ALS, a condition that would progress quickly and lead to his untimely passing during production, Thomas is at a crossroads: continue filming, as she promised him she would, or give in to grief and solitude. Her answer, of course, is within “My First and Last Film,” a deeply personal documentary that ruminates on life, love, and our most unanswerable questions.

“My First and Last Film” will be available on VOD December 15.

The Prom

“The Prom”: Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix

Dee Dee Allen (Meryl Streep) and Barry Glickman (James Corden) are New York City stage stars with a crisis on their hands: their expensive new Broadway show is a major flop that has suddenly flatlined their careers. Meanwhile, in small-town Indiana, high school student Emma Nolan (Jo Ellen Pellman) is experiencing a very different kind of heartbreak: despite the support of the high school principal (Keegan-Michael Key), the head of the PTA (Kerry Washington) has banned her from attending the prom with her girlfriend, Alyssa (Ariana DeBose). When Dee Dee and Barry decide that Emma’s predicament is the perfect cause to help resurrect their public images, they hit the road with Angie (Nicole Kidman) and Trent (Andrew Rannells), another pair of cynical actors looking for a professional lift. But when their self-absorbed celebrity activism unexpectedly backfires, the foursome find their own lives upended as they rally to give Emma a night where she can truly celebrate who she is.

“The Prom” is now available on Netflix.

Assassins (Documentary) 

“Assassins”

In 2017, Kim Jong-nam — the half-brother of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un — was assassinated in the bustling departures hall of Malaysia’s international airport. The spectacularly brazen murder happened in broad daylight, filmed entirely by security cameras. Footage showed two young women approaching Jong-nam from behind, covering his eyes with their hands, and pressing VX — the most lethal nerve gas on earth — into his eyes. He stumbled away and was dead within an hour. But if the murder was extreme, the story that came next was even more bizarre: The two women who killed Jong-nam claimed they had simply been hired to pull a video prank and had no idea what they were really doing. The Malaysian government scoffed, arrested, and imprisoned the women and put them on trial for murder, facing execution. But was their outlandish story actually the truth? And would anyone believe them?

“Assassins” is now in theaters. 

Wolfwalkers

In a time of superstition and magic, a young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe, journeys to Ireland with her father to wipe out the last wolf pack. While exploring the forbidden lands outside the city walls, Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl, Mebh, a member of a mysterious tribe rumored to have the ability to transform into wolves by night. As they search for Mebh’s missing mother, Robyn uncovers a secret that draws her further into the enchanted world of the “Wolfwalkers” and risks turning into the very thing her father is tasked to destroy.

“Wolfwalkers” is now in theaters and available on Apple TV+.

To the Ends of the Earth

“To the Ends of the Earth”

Yoko (Atsuko Maeda) travels with a small crew to Uzbekistan to shoot an episode of her travel reality show. In front of the camera, her persona is carefree and happy-go-lucky, but behind the scenes she is cautious and introverted. Despite her best efforts, the filming of the television series ends unsuccessfully, and frustrated by the failure, she sets off into the mysterious country. Lost in the streets of Tashkent, she finds herself adrift and alone, confronting her deepest fears and hidden aspirations.

“To the Ends of the Earth” is now in virtual cinemas. Find screening info here.

Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness

“Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness”

The lights and cameras are all in position. The moderator takes a last quick look at his notes. The final seconds of the intro ad roll by, and then the show goes live. Tonight’s guest is Maryam (Sadaf Asgari), a young woman condemned to death for murdering her husband. With her in the studio is Mona (Behnaz Jafari), the daughter of the dead man. Maryam is supposed to beg for forgiveness, and her life, for the camera. If Mona grants her forgiveness, Maryam will live, and the show’s sponsors will pay Mona a reward. If she denies it, Maryam will die. Millions of television viewers are tuning in on the night of Yalda, the Persian celebration of the winter solstice, to see Maryam’s fate unfold. Alluding to a real, popular Iranian TV show, the television studio serves as a stage for a startling chamber play between these two women, and the social pressures behind their circumstances.

“Yalda, a Night for Forgiveness” is now in virtual cinemas. Find screening info here.

Breaking Surface

A few days after Christmas, Swedish/Norwegian half-sisters Ida (Moa Gammel) and Tuva (Madeleine Martin) set out on a winter dive in a remote part of the Norwegian coastline. Towards the end of the dive, a rockslide traps Tuva under water. As Ida surfaces to call for help, she discovers that the rockslide has struck above water as well, burying their equipment, phones, and car keys — they are completely cut off from any chance of outside rescue. As the frantic race for survival unfolds, Ida is put to the ultimate test of character and forcefulness. During Ida’s fight to save Tuva, a fractured sisterhood is exposed, and when all seems lost, the stakes have risen beyond simple survival.

“Breaking Surface” is now in virtual cinemas. Find screening info here.

FILMS MADE BY WOMEN OPENING AND COMING TO STREAMING/VOD

Farewell Amor – Written and Directed by Ekwa Msangi

“Farewell Amor”: Sundance Institute

It’s been 17 years since Walter (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine) was forced to leave his family in Angola. Now he is picking up his wife, Esther (Zainab Jah), and daughter, Sylvia (Jayme Lawson), from the airport to bring them home to his one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment. The reunion isn’t seamless. Walter cooks a welcome dinner, and Esther wonders who taught him how to cook. Before they eat, Esther says grace, revealing her thunderous new passion for Jesus. And later, Walter realizes that he has not moved on from Linda (Nana Mensah), his lover who moved out of his apartment to make way for the family. When young Sylvia starts to explore the city and takes part in a dance competition, she unexpectedly opens up a pathway of muscle memory for the family to rediscover one another.

Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Ekwa Msangi.

“Farewell Amor” is now in theaters and available on VOD. 

Wander Darkly – Written and Directed by Tara Miele

“Wander Darkly”: Carolina Costa/Sundance Institute

In the aftermath of a traumatic incident, Adrienne (Sienna Miller) finds herself in a disorienting state of limbo, unstuck in time and witnessing life from a distance. Forced to confront her troubled relationship with her longtime partner, Matteo (Diego Luna), and the future of their infant daughter, Adrienne must relive and renegotiate the events of the recent past — and solve the mystery of the accident. Stepping into the shadows with Matteo, Adrienne looks for clues about what went wrong between them.

Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Tara Miele.

 “Wander Darkly” is now available on VOD. 

TV AND EPISODIC PREMIERES

The Wilds – Created by Sarah Streicher (Premieres December 11 on Amazon Prime)

“The Wilds”

Part survival drama, part dystopian slumber party, “The Wilds” follows a group of teen girls from different backgrounds who must fight for survival after a plane crash strands them on a deserted island. The castaways both clash and bond as they learn more about each other, the secrets they keep, and the traumas they’ve all endured. There’s just one twist to this thrilling drama: these girls did not end up on this island by accident.

Adult Material – Directed by Dawn Shadforth; Written by Lucy Kirkwood (Premieres December 11 on HBO Max)

Hayley Squires plays Jolene Dollar, a regular mother of three, who is proudly the breadwinner of the family. But Jolene doesn’t have the most conventional of careers: she is one of the top porn performers in the U.K. “Adult Material” ventures into Jolene’s world — to a place that influences all of our lives, whether we know it or not, but none of us ever truly see.

The Mess You Leave Behind (Premieres December 11 on Netflix)

Raquel (Inma Cuesta), a young literature teacher, gives her marriage a second chance and moves to her husband’s birth town, which hides a dark secret she will try to unravel.

Réunions – Created by Isabelle Dubernet and Éric Fuhrer (Premieres December 14 on Acorn TV)

In this heartwarming, contemporary French drama, two half-brothers who learn about each other’s existence after the death of their father inherit a hotel on the paradise island of Réunion. Since the hotel is on the verge of bankruptcy, Jérémy (Loup-Denis Elion) and Antoine (Nicolas Bridet) and their respective families make huge sacrifices in working together to turn things around. Chloe (Laëtitia Milot), Jeremy’s companion, is immensely excited by the prospect of moving to the island with its stunning white sandy beaches and sees it as the ideal opportunity to start a new life, where the couple can leave behind their massive debts. She plunges herself enthusiastically into management with Jérémy and Antoine, who are of different races and economic classes. But things are not as rosy as they seem.

Tiny Pretty Things (Premieres December 14 on Netflix)

When an attack brings down the star student at an elite ballet school, her replacement enters a world of lies, betrayal, and cutthroat competition.

Anitta: Made in Honório (Docuseries) (Premieres December 16 on Netflix)

In this intimate documentary, Brazilian pop queen Anitta opens up about fame, family, and her fierce work ethic, revealing the woman behind the hits.

How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding (Premieres December 16 on Netflix)

“How to Ruin Christmas: The Wedding”

Prodigal daughter Tumi (Busi Lurayi) tries to make things right after completely ruining what should have been her sister’s picture-perfect Christmas wedding.

Total Control – Created by Miranda Dear, Rachel Griffiths, Darren Dale, and Stuart Page; Directed by Rachel Perkins (Premieres December 17 on Sundance Now)

“Total Control”

Indigenous woman Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman) walks out of the offices of the Magistrates Court and becomes a national hero. A domestic abuser has gone rogue with a gun and Alex happens to be there at exactly the wrong time. When Alex drags a woman to safety and ends up facing the gunman down, the footage of her insanely brave actions goes viral. Everyone sees it. Everyone wants to know who she is, especially the nation’s Prime Minister.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK

Pick of the Day: “Let Them All Talk”
Pick of the Day: “Funny Boy”
Rose Glass’ “Saint Maud” Sweeps BIFA Nominations with Record-Breaking 17 Nods
Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Entertainment Signs First-Look TV Deal at Amazon
Tara Miele to Write and Direct Carol Burnett Biopic
Passes Now Available for 2021 Athena Film Festival
Pick of the Day: “A Suitable Boy”

Note: All descriptions are from press materials, unless otherwise noted.

Follow Women and Hollywood on Twitter @WomenaHollywood and Melissa Silverstein @melsil. 

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