With awards season just around the corner, we have gotten to that time of year when movie-going options go from nearly nothing to more than any individual with some semblance of a budget or a life could possibly see. But in a year that has two top-grossing female-directed films and a new record for biggest opening weekend for a female-directed film (Sam Taylor-Johnson’s “Fifty Shades of Grey”, $81.7 million domestic and a combined $245.5 million international), there is still plenty of time left to determine whether the 2015 box office ends on a high or a low note for female filmmakers. So, if you venture to the cinema at all in the upcoming months, consider supporting at least one or two female-directed projects, such as the ones listed here:
“The Intern”
Director: Nancy Meyers
Release Date: Sept. 25
Reasons to See: Lead by the unlikely but powerful duo of Anne Hathaway and Robert de Niro, this workplace comedy is an ideal choice for anyone looking for some feel-good escapism.
“Suffragette”
Director: Sarah Gavron
Release Date: Oct. 23
Reasons to See: Featuring a predominantly female cast and crew and already stirring controversy, this historical drama centers around an important and fascinating part of British history that has largely been ignored in film until now. Though early reviews are polarized, praise of the cast—which includes Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham Carter—has been nearly universal, especially regarding lead actress Carey Mulligan.
“Miss You Already”
Director: Catherine Hardwicke
Release Date: Nov. 6
Reasons to See: Imagine the 2011 film “50/50” with Toni Collette and Drew Barrymore in place of Joseph Gordon-
Levitt and Seth Rogen, a more complex plot, and a somewhat darker tone, and you’ve got a pretty good idea of what this upcoming comedy-drama is all about.
“By The Sea”
Director: Angelina Jolie Pitt
Release Date: Nov. 13
Reasons to See: Angelina Jolie Pitt and husband Brad Pitt co-star for the first time since 2005’s “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” in this intimate drama about a failing marriage. The first trailer for the film, also written by Jolie, has a soul-crushing, despair-inducing, “Revolutionary Road” vibe, which can, on occasion, be exactly what one is looking for in a movie.
“The 33”
Director: Patricia Riggen
Release Date: Nov. 13
Reasons to See: This survival drama is based on the 2010 Copiapó mining accident and stars Antonio Banderas. It also features one of the last scores ever composed by the iconic James Horner, who scored of films such as “Titanic” and “Braveheart”, who died in a plane crash earlier this year. Horner’s final project, “The Magnificent Seven”, is slated for release in September 2016.
“Love The Coopers”
Director: Jessie Nelson
Release Date: Nov. 13
Reasons To See: Based on a story co-authored by John Green, this Christmas-themed rom-com would make a great choice for a family holiday movie night and alternative to watching “Love, Actually” for the twenty-third time. A multi-generational star-studded cast featuring the likes of John Goodman, Diane Keaton, and Olivia Wilde appeals to all ages.
Though 2015 has thus far held some promise for female directors, there is still a long, long way to go. There is not a single female-directed film slated for wide or limited release this December—peak movie-going season. While we can’t do anything about that, we can continue to participate in demonstrating that female-driven films can be financially successful.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons.
