Spring Break Indulgences: Women!

Seeing that Women’s History Month is coming to a close, and we have an upcoming break, I thought I would suggest some entertainment that promotes strong and compelling female characters. I have personally read/watched these, and I believe it’s important to see layered female characters in the media (we’re commonly depicted as flat, like objects), as it gives us a subconscious reassurance that we are worth so much, and there is a whole world awaiting us. 

1. How to Get Away With Murder

How to Get Away With Murder is a thriller show, full of mind-blowing plot twists, cliffhangers, and mysterious plotlines. If you’re looking for a continuous adrenaline rush, this is the show for you. This is one of my absolute favorite shows, not only because it incorporates dire systematic issues in the legal system very naturally, but also because it stars Viola Davis as the main character, Annalise Keating, the headstrong yet internally broken lawyer who gets caught up in a string of messes, and faces societal issues having to do with her race, gender, and sexuality. Viola Davis is a phenomenal actor, and her performance as Annalise is truly inspiring, as her character goes through grueling circumstances, and her character development is very well written. All six seasons are available on Netflix. 

2. The Crown

Here is another of my favorite shows. A Netflix Original historical drama, The Crown is a chronicle of the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II. This show is truly a cinematic experience, with excellent writing, moving music, and groundbreaking acting (it has the awards to account for this!). Now, although I don’t condone the actions of the royal family, the depiction of Elizabeth is very compelling, as she struggles with the internal and external battles of her reign, and the resistance to her gender. Her empowerment is incorporated naturally, as both her flaws, and her strength in overcoming them are depicted. Also, Princess Diana is shown in the fourth season!! 

Emma Corrin as Princess Diana

3. Little Women (2019) 

Once again, a favorite of mine. This movie is an adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel, and it follows 4 sisters in America in the 19th century, depicting the beauty of a woman’s life through all her joys and struggles. I’m sure many of us have heard of this movie, and it is a comfort film of mine. The characters are intricate and well written, and have some empowering and emotional moments. The different paths that the sisters take in the movie represents the freedom of women, and how no matter how they chose to live their life, they are still completely valid. If you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster, this is the film for you. 

4. The Handmaid’s Tale

And last but not least, The Handmaid’s Tale. The Handmaid’s Tale is a chilling dystopian tale by Margaret Atwood, depicting the core of American systematic issues, mostly regarding the patriarchy, in a gruelling and exaggerated way. Though this book is not necessarily empowering for women, it sheds light on important issues regarding the constrained sexuality of women, and the shackles on their identity in present-day society. There is no way to describe this book other than to say that it is eye-opening. It may be uncomfortable to read/watch, not only because it depicts a terrifying reality, but also because it overtly shows sexual assault and violence (viewer/reader discretion is highly advised). It also has an excellent TV adaptation on Hulu (also has many awards). There are three seasons so far.