Women in Film, Part II

By: Maggie Laubscher

Halloween weekend has arrived, Nellies. Happy Halloween, All Hallow’s Eve, Samhain, full moon ceremony, and all-around weekending. Earlier this month, we wrote about the history and tradition of All Hallow’s Eve, once called the Samhain celebration. In the piece, we rounded up local ways to celebrate the season. In addition to those ideas, our plans this weekend include movie watching and full moon basking. 

A full moon is always worth a celebration, but tomorrow’s is especially poignant. A blue moon -- meaning the second full moon in a month -- is a rare occurrence as it only lands on Halloween every 19 years or so. A further rarity is that the weather is set to be clear across the country, meaning people everywhere can look into the sky and revel under the same bright, full moon. The last time this occurred was reportedly in 1944. 

A full moon is often associated with strange behavior and heightened emotions. Many believe hospital emergency rooms are busier on full moon nights, though this belief hasn’t been proven. Regardless, a full moon represents completion and therefore achievement. The moon itself is a feminine symbol, universally representing the rhythm of time, according to University of Michigan research. In astrology, the moon is a symbol of the soul. And in regard to moon phases, a full moon represents maturity, peak of clarity and fullness of life. 

This past summer, we wrote about women in film. To usher in Halloween weekend, we are following up with, ‘Women in Film, Part II.’ Below, we’ve handpicked seven haunting films that star women, center on women, and pass the Bechdel Test. The Bechdel test is always worth checking, although it doesn’t guarantee a story will be worthwhile. To pass the test, the work must include 1) two named women, 2) talking to each other 3) about something other than a man. 

Midsommar

Midsommar (folk horror, 2019) twists the typical horror movie tropes - darkness and a villain in a mask - on their head. The film is set in the Swedish countryside, with flower crowns and sunlight: a daytime horror story, if you will. It’s a breakup movie on steroids, involving a Swedish cult and a terrible boyfriend. It’s a story of relationships and loss and grief, as well as rebirth. With Florence Pugh (from Little Women) as its star, the film uniquely shows women in a position of more power than men.

Practical Magic

Practical Magic (romantic comedy fantasy, 1998) is a story of witches and loyalty and love. It’s a film that celebrates the power of women. It also tells a compelling story of domestic abuse. Starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as sisters and Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest as their loving aunties, they are a family of witches dealing with an ancient family curse: any man they fall in love with will die. The movie lets women be sexual, powerful, and united. It’s a beautiful message.

The Love Witch

Like Midsommar, The Love Witch (comedy horror/tragedy, 2016) is a bright, colorful movie with horrors sitting beneath the surface. The movie follows Samantha Robinson’s character, Elaine, as a modern-day witch who uses magic to make men fall for her.

The Crucible

A classic worth a yearly watch, The Crucible (historical drama, 1996) was inspired by the Salem witch trials and stars Winona Ryder and Daniel-Day Lewis. It’s heavy and arresting, with stunning performances all around.

The Witches

The Witches (dark fantasy comedy, 1990 and 2020) is outlandish and dark and funny, all at once. Originally a novel by Roald Dahl, then a movie in 1990, and now a remake for 2020, The Witches is a children’s horror story come alive. The movie follows a witch clan’s exploits of killing children, with the original starring Angelica Huston and the remake starring Anne Hathaway as the head witch. Both films - original and remake - are dripping with fashion, wit, and the sharpness of women.

Carrie

Carrie (supernatural horror, 1976) sheds light on the many trials that girls weather: teen angst, menstruation, bullying, and suppression. The story follows Sissy Spacek’s Carrie, a shy teenager who suffers embarrassment and punishment after having her first period at school. As she slowly realizes she has supernatural powers, the movie culminates at the school prom and revenge ensues.

The Virgin Suicides

The Virgin Suicides (drama, 1999) marks Sofia Coppola’s first time directing a full-length film — the result being an ethereal, melancholy beauty. Centered on a family of five sisters and their overbearing parents, the movie tells a haunting tale of what happens when girls can’t be themselves. The story is told from a neighbor boy’s point of view - keeping the girls at an isolated distance even in a story that stars them.

Black Swan

Black Swan (psychological horror, 2010) is a beautiful, frenetic thriller built around the pressures put upon women. Natalie Portman’s character, Nina, finds herself competing for a lead role in a Swan Lake ballet and ultimately combusts under the pressure. The film is haunting and filled with fractured, powerful images against the powerful world of professional ballet.