FILMS ABOUT WOMEN OPENING AND COMING TO STREAMING/VOD
Nomadland – Written and Directed by Chloé Zhao
“Nomadland” is a marvel. A master class by rapidly ascending writer-director Chloé Zhao and ever-stalwart star Frances McDormand, the drama tells the story of Fern (McDormand), a woman from a Nevada mining town destroyed by the Great Recession. The 60-something begins living as a modern-day nomad, traveling across the U.S. in her camping van. Zhao cast a number of nonprofessional actors in her first two features, “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” and “The Rider,” and has done the same with “Nomadland,” a decision that adds to the film’s impressive sense of realism. Tagging along with Fern as she finds work on the road — at jobs as varied as an Amazon Fulfillment Center, a beet sugar harvesting plant, and tourist attractions — we meet other folks living on the margins who get to tell their own stories. “Nomadland” never feels like poverty porn that pities its subjects or reduces them to hackneyed clichés. It simply documents, luxuriating in its unhurried, even slow, pace that allows us to take our time with its characters and gorgeous cinematography. Zhao and McDormand shot “Nomadland” over the span of four months in seven states, spending nights in roadside motels, and it shows. This kind of authenticity takes time, and is earned. (Laura Berger)
“Nomadland” is now in virtual cinemas.
I’m Your Woman – Directed by Julia Hart; Written by Julia Hart and Jordan Horowitz
“I’m Your Woman”: AFI Fest
Overall, things are pretty good for ’70s crime housewife Jean (Rachel Brosnahan). Sure, she’s a little bored and sad, and a terrible cook, but she’s in love with her husband, lives in a nice house, and has enough free time to lounge around in a fluffy magenta robe. Things come crashing down when her husband, Eddie (Bill Heck), a professional thief, betrays his partners. Suddenly Eddie is nowhere to be found and Jean and her baby are in danger, and must run for their lives. Although Jean laments being alone for the first time, she isn’t, really: Eddie’s old friends Teri (Marsha Stephanie Blake) and Cal (Arinzé Kene) step up to protect her and her child. A surface reading of “I’m Your Woman” would home in on Jean, without her husband’s protection or money, finding and wielding her own power. And that’s definitely part of the film. But its providing a feminine counterweight to the classic gritty movies of the ’70s is what makes it special. Jean’s empowerment is contingent on her husband’s crimes, and the sacrifices of a Black family. Jean as a character is engaging and often sympathetic, and Brosnahan is great as always. Yet the character is no hero: instead, she’s just as complex, narcissistic, and morally flexible as any of the dudes who usually dominate these stories. (Rachel Montpelier)
“I’m Your Woman” is now in theaters. It will be available on Amazon Prime Video December 11.
La Leyenda Negra – Written and Directed by Patricia Vidal Delgado
“La Leyenda Negra”
“Respect my existence or expect resistance.” These are the words high school senior and immigration rights activist Aleteia (Monica Betancourt) reiterates throughout “La Leyenda Negra,” writer-director Patricia Vidal Delgado’s first feature film. Aleteia was born in El Salvador but has been in the U.S. as long as she can remember but — thanks to the Trump administration’s xenophobia and anti-immigration policies — her temporary protection status has been revoked. Aleteia is now newly undocumented, and her plans are thrown into disarray. Meanwhile, Aleteia’s classmate, Rosarito (Kailei Lopez), is beginning to discover herself. She’s growing tired of her mean girl friends, becoming more politically conscious and opinionated, and exploring her sexuality. For the first time, she’s acknowledging her attraction to girls. When they’re paired together for a school project, Aleteia and Rosarito forge a close friendship that has the potential to turn into something more. The film, similar to “Vida,” is a lovely showcase for young activists. Like so many real-life figures, including Emma Gonzalez and Greta Thunberg, Aleteia is angry about the state of the world and ready to do something about it. She’s relentlessly fighting the good fight. That’s why Rosarito and we, the audience, are so drawn to her. (RM)
“La Leyenda Negra” is now available on HBO Latino and HBO Max.
Luxor – Written and Directed by Zeina Durra
“Luxor”
When British aid worker Hana (Andrea Riseborough) returns to the ancient city of Luxor, she comes across Sultan (Karim Saleh), a talented archeologist and former lover. As she wanders, haunted by the familiar place, she struggles to reconcile the choices of the past with the uncertainty of the present.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Zeina Durra.
“Luxor” is now available on VOD.
Godmothered – Directed by Sharon Maguire; Written by Kari Granlund and Melissa Stack
Set at Christmastime, “Godmothered” is a comedy about Eleanor (Jillian Bell), a young, inexperienced fairy godmother-in-training who, upon hearing that her chosen profession is facing extinction, decides to show the world that people still need fairy godmothers. Finding a mislaid letter from a 10-year-old girl in distress, Eleanor tracks her down and discovers that the girl, Mackenzie, is now a 40-year-old single mom (Isla Fisher) working at a news station in Boston. Having lost her husband several years earlier, Mackenzie has all but given up on the idea of “Happily Ever After,” but Eleanor is bound and determined to give Mackenzie a happiness makeover, whether she likes it or not.
“Godmothered” is now available on Disney+.
A Girl from Mogadishu – Written and Directed by Mary McGuckian
Fleeing war-torn Somalia in 2006 for the United States, Ifrah (Aja Naomi King) is trafficked to Dublin, Ireland, where she applies for asylum. A traumatic medical examination reveals the extent of her mutilation as a child. Traumatized by the memory, she channels the experience into a force for change and emerges as a formidable campaigner against Female Genital Mutilation at the highest political echelons in Ireland, Europe, and globally.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Mary McGuckian.
“A Girl from Mogadishu” is now in U.K. theaters and virtual cinemas. Find screening info here.
Billie (Documentary)
“Billie”
Billie Holiday had one of the greatest voices of all time. She was a woman of breath-taking talent and global popularity while also stirring controversy. She started a notable rebellion singing “Strange Fruit,” which exposed the realities of Black life in America and earned her powerful enemies. In the late 1960s journalist Linda Lipnack Kuehl set out to write the definitive biography of Billie. Over the next decade, she tracked down and tape-recorded interviews with the extraordinary characters that populated the iconic singer’s short, tumultuous life. These incredibly intimate testimonies are not only told by some of the musical greats, but Billie Holiday herself is revealed through the eyes of her cousin, her school friends, lovers, lawyers, pimps and even the FBI agents who arrested her. Linda’s book was never finished and the tapes unplayed – until now.
“Billie” is now in select theaters and available on VOD.
Let Them All Talk – Written by Deborah Eisenberg
“Let Them All Talk”
“Let Them All Talk” tells the story of a celebrated author (Meryl Streep) who takes a journey with some old friends (Candice Bergen and Dianne Wiest) to have some fun and heal old wounds. Her nephew (Lucas Hedges) comes along to wrangle the ladies and her literary agent (Gemma Chan) also books herself on the trip.
“Let Them All Talk” will be available on HBO Max December 10.
Black Bear
At a remote lake house, a filmmaker named Allison (Aubrey Plaza) arrives to play house guest to a troubled couple (Sarah Gadon and Christopher Abbott) who have eschewed their life in the city after inheriting a family retreat. Battling writer’s block, Allison sparks a calculated game of desire and jealousy in pursuit of a new work that blurs the boundaries of autobiography and invention. “Black Bear” explores the complex nature of relationships, gender dynamics, and the erratic nature of love as it traces the conflict between our lust and our longing for internal harmony.
“Black Bear” is now available on VOD.
But I’m a Cheerleader: Director’s Cut – Directed by Jamie Babbit
“But I’m a Cheerleader”
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this whimsically edgy comedy, directed by Jamie Babbit, which follows teenager Megan (Natasha Lyonne), whose suburban existence filled with friends, cheerleading, and all-American fun is upended when her straight-laced parents suspect she may be a lesbian. In a panic, they send her to True Directions, a “rehabilitation” camp run by the strict and prudish Mary (Cathy Moriarty), to mount an intervention led by counselor Mike (RuPaul Charles). Megan dutifully follows the program — until she develops feelings for another camper (Clea DuVall) in this timeless, satirical romantic-comedy about self-acceptance and love.
“But I’m A Cheerleader: Director’s Cut” will be available on VOD December 8.
PJ Harvey: A Dog Called Money (Documentary)
For her ninth studio album, alternative-music icon PJ Harvey visited Afghanistan, Kosovo, and Washington, D.C., to talk with locals and let their stories inspire her song lyrics, while filmmaker Seamus Murphy captured the moments in this ambitious documentary.
“PJ Harvey: A Dog Called Money” will be available via virtual cinemas December 9. Find screening info here.
My Darling Vivian (Documentary)
“My Darling Vivian” traces the romantic, wrenching, and dizzying journey of Vivian Liberto, Johnny Cash’s first wife and the mother of his four daughters. The film has exclusive, unprecedented access to never-before-seen footage and photographs, as well as to Vivian and Johnny’s daughters themselves. Meet the first Mrs. Cash as her daughters — Rosanne Cash, Kathy Cash Tittle, Cindy Cash, and Tara Cash Schwoebel — share first hand, and for the first time, the entire story of love, isolation, fear, heartbreak, and survival.
“My Darling Vivian” will be available on VOD December 8.
Elyse – Written and Directed by Stella Hopkins
In this exploration of grief, memory and hallucination intertwine to expose a history of trauma, revealing the truth: Elyse (Lisa Pepper) is catatonic and confined to a state hospital. Elyse is not the only victim; delusional thinking, profound narcissism, and violent behavior gradually annihilate her husband, Steven (Aaron Tucker). Elyse’s recovery is reliant on the chief of psychiatry, Dr. Lewis (Anthony Hopkins), the restoration of the relationship with her mother (Fran Tucker), and the forgiveness of the surrogate daughter, Carmen (Tara Arroyave). Ultimately, it’s the love of a nurse, David (Anthony Apel), that promises her a new life.
“Elyse” is now in theaters and available on VOD.
I Hate New Year’s – Directed by Christin Baker; Written by Kathryn Trammell
Experiencing writer’s block, rising music star Layne Price (Dia Frampton) reluctantly visits a mysterious fortune teller whose flamboyant advice she misconstrues. Heading home to Nashville, Tennessee, for New Year’s Eve, Layne hits the town with BFF Cassie Holmes (Ashley Argota). While Cassie plans to finally confess that her feelings have evolved into more than friendship, Layne is too focused on bumping into her elusive ex to notice.
“I Hate New Year’s” is now available on VOD.
The Planters – Written and Directed by Alexandra Kotcheff and Hannah Leder
“The Planters”
Martha Plant (Alexandra Kotcheff) is an awkward telemarketer who’s down and out — sucking at her job and grieving her recently deceased parents. When she finds unlikely friendship in Sadie Mayflower (Hannah Leder), a bubbly vagrant with multiple personalities, Martha discovers having three friends in one may be more than she bargained for.
“The Planters” will be available on VOD December 8.
What Lies Below
A 16 year-old girl (Ema Horvath) returns home from camp and learns that her mother has a new boyfriend, one she intends to marry, a man whose charm, intelligence, and beauty make him look like he’s not human at all.
“What Lies Below” is now available on VOD.
FILMS MADE BY WOMEN OPENING AND COMING TO STREAMING/VOD
Bombay Rose – Directed by Gitanjali Rao; Written by Gitanjali Rao and Asad Hussain
“Bombay Rose”
Escaping from child marriage, a young club dancer living in the streets of Bombay must choose between fending for her family and finding love with a boy orphaned by the militancy. Painted frame by frame and woven delicately through music, a red rose brings together three tales of impossible loves. Love between a Hindu girl and a Muslim boy. Love between two women. Love of an entire city for its Bollywood stars. Based on true events, the film explores the ruthlessness of a society where the love and life that reigns on the big screen can crush you in its mean streets.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Gitanjali Rao.
“Bombay Rose” is now available on Netflix.
Dear Santa (Documentary) – Directed by Dana Nachman
“Dear Santa” shines a light on the 100-year-old “Operation Santa” Program of the United States Postal Service. Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa arrive at Post Offices around the country. Through Operation Santa, the United States Postal Service makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these letters and make children’s dreams come true. The film invites audiences along for the magic of this massive endeavor. Traveling the country, much like Santa does on Christmas Eve, the film focuses on select “Operation Santa” Centers: some in metropolitan areas like the massive operation in New York City and others in small towns where the Post Office is the heart of the community.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Dana Nachman.
“Dear Santa” is now in theaters and on available VOD. Find screening info here.
Funny Boy – Directed by Deepa Mehta; Written by Deepa Mehta and Shyam Selvadurai
“Funny Boy”
“Funny Boy” explores the awakening of sexual identity by a young boy named Arjie (Arush Nand and Brandon Ingram). As political tensions escalate to a boiling point between the minority Tamils and the majority Sinhalese, a young boy comes of age in a society and family that doesn’t embrace differences outside of societal norms. The film chronicles Arjie’s struggle to find balance and self-love despite the absence of empathy and understanding.
“Funny Boy” hits theaters and Netflix December 10. Find screening info here.
Music Got Me Here (Documentary) – Written and Directed by Susan Koch
In a freak snowboarding accident, Forrest, age 18, suffers a life threatening traumatic brain injury that leaves him trapped inside himself — unable to speak or move for nearly two years. Tom, an eccentric music therapist with a troubled childhood, will do anything to get a response from Forrest. He dresses up in costumes and makes up silly songs. For months, Forrest doesn’t even acknowledge him. Then, one day Forrest painstakingly types with one finger on his Dynavox: “Please help me find my voice.” Tom begins by teaching Forrest to breathe…then hum. After many months of painstaking practice, the hums turn into Forrest’s first two words. Within weeks, he’s singing entire songs and speaking in sentences. Filmed over the course of five years, this is a remarkable story about the power of music to heal and transform lives, often in miraculous ways.
“Music Got Me Here” is now in virtual cinemas. Find screening info here.
Wander – Directed by April Mullen
“Wander” is a film brought to us through the eyes of an unreliable narrator whose vulnerability takes us on a journey towards truth — a truth unseen by most, and one hard to face. Life, loss, and the conspiracies that surround our hero, Arthur (Aaron Eckhart), bring forth a new concept of surrender. What does it take to move through a grief so grand it shakes the foundations of reality? What would one man do to uncover a world of lies? He, Arthur, would cross all fears, leap into the unknown, and bravely take down the giants that control so much of today’s world. Arthur’s journey pulls back the curtain on dark and deeply disturbing atrocities. His time in the town of Wander sheds light on those whose voices have been silenced through settler colonial state sanctioned surveillance and control.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with April Mullen.
“Wander” is now in theaters and available on VOD.
White Riot (Documentary) – Directed by Rubika Shah; Written by Rubika Shah and Ed Gibbs
“White Riot”
Britain, late-1970s. The country is deeply divided over immigration. The National Front, a far-right and fascist political party, is gaining strength. And countering this was Rock Against Racism (RAR), a movement that swept across the U.K. and Europe and culminated in a 100,000+-person march and a legendary concert event — Woodstock meets the March on Washington, punk-style.
Read Women and Hollywood’s interview with Rubika Shah.
“White Riot” will be available on VOD December 8.
Rose Island – Written by Francesca Manieri and Sydney Sibilia
An idealistic engineer builds his own island off the coast of Italy and declares it a nation, drawing the attention of the world — and the government.
“Rose Island” will be available on Netflix December 9.
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TV AND EPISODIC PREMIERES
Selena: The Series (Premieres December 4 on Netflix)
“Selena: The Series”
Before she became the Queen of Tejano Music, Selena Quintanilla (Christian Serratos) was a young girl from Texas with big dreams and an even bigger voice. “Selena: The Series” explores her journey from singing small gigs to becoming the most successful female Latin artist of all time — and the years of hard work and sacrifice the Quintanilla family navigated together.
Bhaag Beanie Bhaag (Premieres December 4 on Netflix)
Facing disapproving parents, a knotty love life, and her own inner critic, an aspiring comic (Swara Bhaskar) ditches her cushy but unsatisfying life to pursue stand-up.
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (Variety Special) – Written by Caroline Fox (Premieres December 4 on Apple TV+)
When the world is faced with a holiday cheer crisis, the North Pole knows only one person who can solve it: Santa’s great friend, Mariah Carey.
Detention (Premieres December 5 on Netflix)
A tormented student uncovers unsettling secrets at her remote high school as betrayal and a paranormal encounter upend her life.
A Holly Dolly Christmas (Musical Special) (Premieres December 6 on CBS)
Christmas is Dolly Parton’s favorite time of year, and America’s beloved entertainer is excited to share some much-needed joy and holiday cheer at the end of this challenging year. Performing from an intimate, candlelit set, Dolly brings both powerful, faith-filled hymns and light-hearted holiday classics to viewers, sharing personal Christmas stories and faith-based recollections of the season, interspersed with songs from her new, record-breaking #1 holiday album, “A Holly Dolly Christmas.”
Nurses (Premieres December 7 on NBC)
Set in Toronto, “Nurses” follows five young nurses working on the frontlines of a busy downtown hospital, dedicating their lives to helping others while struggling to help themselves.
A Suitable Boy (Miniseries) – Directed by Mira Nair (Premieres December 7 on Acorn TV)
“A Suitable Boy”: BBC/Lookout Point
“A Suitable Boy” follows 19-year-old university student Lata (Tanya Maniktala), who seems to have her life already mapped out thanks to old traditions and an overbearing mother who wants to find her a suitable husband. Torn between romance and responsibility and inspired by rebellious writers and daring new ideas, Lata is determined to decide her own future in a newly independent India, boldly breaking free of its past. Connected to Lata through their siblings’ marriage, wayward Maan (Ishaan Khatter) wants every drop of excitement from life. However when he becomes infatuated with the glamorous courtesan Saaeda Bai (Tabu), the consequences could be catastrophic.
The Trial of Christine Keeler (Miniseries) – Directed by Andrea Harkin and Leanne Welham; Written by Amanda Coe (Premieres December 9 on HBO Max)
“The Trial of Christine Keeler”: BBC/Ecosse Films/Ben Blackall
“The Trial Of Christine Keeler” takes a fresh look at one of the most infamous British stories of the 20th century: the chain of events in the 1960s that came to be known as the Profumo Affair. At the center of the storm was 19-year-old Christine Keeler (Sophie Cookson), a young woman whom the powerful, male-dominated establishment sought to silence and exploit, but who refused to play by their rules. This six-part drama takes us behind the headlines to tell a human story about the sexual and cultural politics of one of the most revealing and iconic stories of modern times.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE WEEK
A.V. Rockwell Making Feature Directorial Debut with “A Thousand and One,” Lena Waithe Producing
Cynthia Erivo to Topline and Produce Biopic About African Princess Sarah Forbes Bonetta
“Happiest Season” Breaks Hulu Records, Writer-Director Clea DuVall Open to Making a Sequel
Hannah Olson Discusses Family, History, Consent, and Her Directorial Debut “Baby God”
Tina Mabry & Gina Prince-Bythewood Team Up for Searchlight’s “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat”
Carrie Brownstein Is Directing a Heart Biopic
Awkwafina, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Rashida Jones, & Rachel Brosnahan Among NYWIFT Muse Awards Honorees
“Babyteeth” Wins Big at Australian Academy Awards
December 2020 Film Preview
Note: All descriptions are from press materials, unless otherwise noted.
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