Women in Film Pt. III + a Playlist
Words by: Maggie Laubscher | Music by: Abby Yemm
Image from Sylvie’s Love film
As we round out 2020, we have fully slowed down and cozied in. We are talking Clairvaux sweaters, Birdie’s socks, Happy Habitat blankets, and all our other cold weather favorites. With the hygge vibes come new shows and movies to devour. Women in film is an ongoing topic we support, and a fun one at that. It’s about supporting women and progress and beauty.
Our Part I post was about the latest shows we were watching. Our Part II post centered on films, with a haunting bent fitting for the Halloween season. For our Part III post, we are highlighting seven shows and one movie that have moved us recently.
Browse below for your next favorite. There is so much goodness in this list! Oh, and here are two honorable mentions: The Flight Attendant and The Queen’s Gambit. See? There’s so much good content out there right now...
Based on her film Skate Kitchen, Crystal Moselle created the teen comedy series Betty. It’s about a tight-knit group of Gen Z girl skateboarders, following along as they navigate the male-dominated world of skateboarding.
Sylvie’s Love is a gorgeous, classic romance in story and visuals. It stars Tessa Thompson, who falls in love with an aspiring saxophonist in her father’s record shop in 1950s Harlem.
Although this late-night style show is from a few years ago, it’s still so relevant. I Love You, America with Sarah Silverman is styled like a late-night talk show but is more personal. Silverman hosts the show and aims to connect with people who may not agree with her personal opinions.
Shondaland on Netflix! Bridgerton is the perfect show for right now: it’s fun, gossipy, romantic escapism at its sharpest. The show is about eight siblings of looking for love and happiness in London high society. Sold.
Another late-night talk show recommendation, but we can’t help it! The Amber Ruffin Show is equal parts goofy, serious, funny, and engaging in this late-night take on the news of the week. Ruffin is not only the host, she is also an executive producer. Given the season, start with her Holiday Extravaganza episode - it will win over most cynics, we swear.
This show is carried by strong women. A comedy-drama series created by and starring Pamela Adlon, Better Things is centered on Adlon as a divorced actress raising three daughters on her own. It’s funny and beautiful and raw. It was co-created by Louis C.K., though he was let go from the project. Since his departure, the show is even sharper and better.
The Duchess is a delightfully crass British comedy-drama. The series centers on a single mom played by Katherine Ryan, who also created the series. It’s part autobiographical and we can’t wait to see what she dreams up next.
Set in Hollywood just after World War II, this series is a fun, revisionist history in the best way, offering a more progressive, openness to the industry and town. The juicy female roles in Hollywood include Holland Taylor, Patti LuPone, and other actors. Laura Harrier’s take on a leading lady was captivating (that’s her in the photo).
