Films About Consent
The topic of consent is increasingly explored in cinema, reflecting society's evolving understanding of personal agency and mutual agreement in relationships. Films that focus on consent often address themes of power dynamics, communication, and the importance of respect in intimate situations. They can range from dramas that depict the complexities of consent in romantic relationships to thrillers that challenge the boundaries of consent in more harrowing contexts. These films serve not only to entertain but also to provoke thought and discussion about the significance of consent in our lives.
Here is a list of films that address the theme of consent:
“The Consent”, 2010
Director: Adam Gillikin
A gripping drama that follows a young woman who grapples with the aftermath of a sexual encounter and the blurred lines of consent. As she navigates her emotions and societal expectations, the film delves deep into the complexities of sexual relationships.
Starring: Steve Fortuna, Alex Tercero, Matt Gulbranson, T. Terrell Jackson, Dominique Antonio Spencer, S. Jamie Snider, Loudan Hoosier, Teena Byrd, Jessica Baroody, Phil Piruzzi Filsoof;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: short film, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 13 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 0;
More information about the film “The Consent” on the website imdb.com
“The Tale”, 2017
Director: Jennifer Fox
Based on a true story, this powerful film chronicles a woman's recollection of her adolescent sexual experiences, forcing her to confront the manipulation and coercion she faced. It raises poignant questions about memory, trauma, and the understanding of consent.
Starring: Laura Dern, Isabelle Nélisse, Jason Ritter, Elizabeth Debicki, Ellen Burstyn, Common, Jessica Sarah Flaum, Laura Allen, Juli Erickson, Matthew Rauch, John Heard, Dana Healey, Aaron Williamson, Shay Lee Abeson, Isabella Amara, Jodi Long, Daniel Berson, Chelsea Alden, Ricki Bhullar, Jenson Cheng, Madara Jayasena, Emily Sandifer, Frances Conroy, Tina Parker, Scott Takeda, Noah Lomax, Grant James, Madison David, Tarek Bishara, Gretchen Koerner, Jaqueline Fleming, Kellie Aiken, Karlie Blair, Jacob Craig Bullock, Logan Chadwick, Rebecca Chulew, Deana Deatherage, Malarie Drake, Katie Fairbanks, Russell Fenton, Isabella Fowler, Paul Riley Fox, Doug Gagnon, Rebecca Gamble, Candiss Nicole Gandy, Gloria Gonnillini, Pixie Hankins, Jennifer Haygood, Mobin Khan, Susan Kirton;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: thriller, drama, detective, biography;
Age: 18+;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Consent”, 2010
Director: Ron Brown
This film follows a college student who becomes embroiled in a sexual assault case that challenges her perceptions of consent and the legal system. It highlights the nuances of consent and the importance of believing survivors.
Starring: Peter Vack, Troian Avery Bellisario, Betsey Brown, Kate Burton, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jeff McCarthy, Noah Fleiss, Paul Iacono, Amelia Alvarez, Kelly AuCoin, Parker Bagley, Danielle Baum, Debra Lynne Cohen, Michael Emery, Brenda Jean Foley, Cassidy Gard, John Kudan, Dan McCabe, Alyson Rogers, Sona Smetanova, Danicah Waldo, Devon Werden, Stephanie Gould;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 87 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,5;
More information about the film “Consent” on the website imdb.com
“Promising Young Woman”, 2020
Director: Emerald Fennell
A darkly comedic thriller that addresses the issue of consent in the wake of sexual assault. The protagonist seeks to confront those who exploit vulnerable individuals, leading to a commentary on societal attitudes toward consent and accountability.
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Clancy Brown, Jennifer Coolidge, Laverne Cox, Christopher Lowell, Connie Britton, Adam Brody, Max Greenfield, Ray Nicholson, Sam Richardson, Timothy E. Goodwin, Alli Hart, Loren Paul, Scott Aschenbrenner, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Gabriel Oliva, Bryan Lillis, Francisca Estevez, Lorna Scott, Casey Adams, Vince Lozano, Molly Shannon, Mike Horton II, Steve Monroe, Angela Zhou, Austin Talynn Carpenter, Abi Beaux, James Doheny, Emerald Fennell, Brendan Healy, Rasneet Kaur, Jenelle McKee, Paxton Miller, Alfred Molina, Jose Stephan Perez, David Philip Reed, Scarlet Spencer, Alyson Stover, Carly Tamborski, Charlotte Xia;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: thriller, drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 113 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“The Hunting Ground”, 2015
Director: Kirby Dick
A documentary that exposes the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses and the struggles victims face in seeking justice. It emphasizes the importance of consent and the need for systemic change to protect survivors.
Starring: Andrea Pino, Annie Clark, Claire Potter, Melinda Manning, Kimberly Theidon, Kamilah Willingham, Mrs. Willingham, Caroline Heldman, David Lisak, Leslie Strohm, Kami Winningham, Danielle Dirks, Diane Rosenfeld, Pat Cottrell, Rachel Hudak, Carol Ann Mooney, Tom Seeberg, Lizzy Seeberg, Sofie Karasek, Andrew Lohse, Doug Fierberg, Don McPherson, Erica Kinsman, John Kinsman, Jameis Winston, Jeff Benedict, Willie Meggs, Heather M. Turcotte, Michael R. Gottfredson, Mary Sue Coleman, Michael F. Adams, Jonathan Veitch, Meghan Warner, Iman Stenson, Shannon Thomas, Carolyn Luby, Alexa Schwartz, Ari Mostov, Hope Brinn, Kirsten Gillibrand, Amy Herdy, Angel Schmiedt, Sunny Frothingham, Nastassja Schmiedt;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Hunting Ground” on the website imdb.com
“La vie d'Adèle”, 2013
Director: Abdelatif Kechiche
This French film explores a passionate love affair between two young women, navigating the complexities of emotional and physical intimacy. It highlights the importance of consent in both romantic and sexual relationships.
Starring: Léa Seydoux, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Salim Kechiouche, Aurélien Recoing, Catherine Salée, Benjamin Siksou, Mona Walravens, Alma Jodorowsky, Jérémie Laheurte, Anne Loiret, Benoît Pilot, Sandor Funtek, Fanny Maurin, Maelys Cabezon, Samir Bella, Tom Hurier, Manon Piette, Quentin Médrinal, Peter Assogbavi, Wisdom Ayanou, Philippe Potier, Virginie Morgny, Stéphane Mercoyrol, Lucie Bibal, Baya Rehaz, Marilyne Chanaud, Camille Rutherford, Michael Skal, Sandrine Paraire, Justine Nissart, Flavie De Murat, Vincent Gaeta, Elizabeth Craig, Karim Saidi, Aurelie Lemanceau, Audrey Deswarte, Mejdi Ben Nasr, Hichem Ben Nasr, Janine Pillot, Antoinette Sarrazin, Alain Duclos, Eric Paul, Catherine Gilleron, Leila D'Issernio, Jean Luc D'Isserno, Selim Boukerfat, Oscar Pinelli, Léa Berkat, Nicolas Bourgasser, Camille Ayoras;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: nc17;
Duration: 179 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “La vie d'Adèle” on the website imdb.com
These films contribute to the ongoing conversation about consent, each offering a unique perspective that resonates with viewers and encourages reflection on personal and societal standards regarding consent.
In the realm of cinema, films about consent have the power to provoke important discussions and challenge societal norms. These thought-provoking narratives shed light on the complexities of human relationships, exploring issues of boundaries, communication, and respect. From intense psychological dramas to heartwarming coming-of-age tales, the selection of films about consent reminds us of the significance of consent in every aspect of life. Through captivating storytelling and powerful performances, these films encourage audiences to reflect on their own understanding of consent and the importance of fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Ultimately, these films serve as a powerful tool for education and empowerment, reminding us that consent is not only a vital aspect of our personal relationships, but also a fundamental human right.
