Films focusing on lesbian characters and relationships explore various aspects of love, identity, societal perceptions, and personal growth. These films often delve into the challenges and triumphs of lesbian relationships, offering both representation and resonance for many in the LGBTQ+ community, while also providing wider audiences with insights into these experiences. Here is a selection of films about lesbian relationships and themes:
“Carol”, 2014
Director: Todd Haynes
Directed by Todd Haynes and based on Patricia Highsmith's novel “The Price of Salt,” this film is set in 1950s New York and tells the story of a forbidden affair between an aspiring photographer and an older woman going through a difficult divorce. The film beautifully captures the complexities of love constrained by societal norms.
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, John Magaro, Cory Michael Smith, Kevin Crowley, Nik Pajic, Carrie Brownstein;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“The Favourite”, 2018
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this period black comedy explores the political machinations behind the scenes of Queen Anne's court. The film involves a love triangle between the frail Queen Anne, her close friend Lady Sarah, and a new servant, Abigail, leading to a bitter rivalry to become the Queen's favorite.
Starring: Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, Mark Gatiss, Emma Delves, Faye Daveney, Paul Swaine, Jennifer White;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography, history;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 119 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Favourite” on the website imdb.com
“Bound”, 1996
Director: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Directed by The Wachowskis, this neo-noir crime thriller follows Corky, an ex-con who starts a relationship with Violet, the girlfriend of a mobster. The two women plot to steal millions of cash from the mafia, leading to a dangerous game of deception and betrayal.
Starring: Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, John P. Ryan, Christopher Meloni, Richard C. Sarafian, Mary Mara, Susie Bright, Margaret Smith, Barry Kivel;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: thriller, crime, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Bound” on the website imdb.com
“Pariah”, 2011
Director: Dee Rees
Directed by Dee Rees, this American drama tells the story of Alike, a 17-year-old African American girl embracing her identity as a lesbian. Struggling with the intricacies of her family's acceptance and the challenges of coming out, the film is a powerful portrayal of self-discovery and personal truth.
Starring: Adepero Oduye, Pernell Walker, Aasha Davis, Charles Parnell, Sahra Mellesse, Kim Wayans, Shamika Cotton, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Afton Williamson, Zabryna Guevara;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 86 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Pariah” on the website imdb.com
These films are just a few examples of the diverse and rich storytelling found within the genre focusing on lesbian characters and relationships, offering various perspectives on love, identity, and the human experience.
Certainly, films about lesbian relationships and experiences offer audiences a vital window into the nuanced and oftentimes marginalized narratives within the broader LGBTQ+ spectrum. They not only challenge societal norms and provoke essential conversations on gender, sexuality, and identity but also provide representation and validation to many who find aspects of their own lives mirrored on screen. From groundbreaking classics to contemporary masterpieces, these films contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, while showcasing the artistic prowess and emotional depth of filmmakers who dare to explore love and life beyond conventional boundaries. As society continues to evolve, the importance and impact of these stories cannot be overstated, making them indispensable to both cinema and culture at large.
