Spectrum editor’s list of films to watch for Women’s History Month

“Premature” (2019)

Starring and co-written by Zora Howard, this dramatic love story follows a 17-year-old girl who has a summer romance in New York City with an older man. Their relationship prematurely pushes her into the adult world, and she is forced to navigate unintended consequences before leaving for college. In 2020, the film was awarded the ReFrame Stamp for Gender-Balanced Production, an award given to corporations and media that strive for increased female representation.

Available on Hulu | 93% Rotten Tomatoes

“Hustlers” (2019)

Written and directed by Lorene Scafaria, “Hustlers” is based on a true story about a group of strippers who fell on hard financial times during the Great Recession from 2007-2009. Together, they target rich Wall Street clients, taking advantage of their wealth. This comedic drama has a star-studded cast, including Jennifer Lopez and rapper Cardi B.

Available on Showtime | 87% Rotten Tomatoes

“Selma” (2014)

This historical drama, directed by Ava DuVernay, chronicles Martin Luther King Jr.’s march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965 to establish equal voting rights for African Americans. The historical film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2015.

Available on Amazon Prime Video for $3.99 | 99% Rotten Tomatoes

“Lady Bird” (2017)

This coming-of-age drama captures the growing pains between a teenage daughter and mother. Their troubled relationship is coupled with financial woes, as the mother tries to keep the family afloat after the father loses his job. Directed by Greta Gerwig, this film won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture in 2018.

Available on Netflix | 99% Rotten Tomatoes

“The Assistant” (2019)

Directed by Kitty Green, “The Assistant” captures the daily routine of Jane, an assistant to a notable male executive at a film production company. In the drama, which sparked commentary about the #MeToo movement, Jane experiences verbal abuse and witnesses sexual exploitation within the film industry.

Available on Hulu | 92% Rotten Tomatoes

“Never Rarely Sometimes Always” (2020)

After an unexpected pregnancy, a teenage girl named Autumn and her cousin Skylar travel from a rural town in Pennsylvania to New York City in order to receive an abortion. The film, directed by Eliza Hittman, captures Autumn’s emotional journey with little support.

Available on HBO Max | 99% Rotten Tomatoes

“She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry” (2014)

Director Mary Dore chronicles the birth of the feminist movement from 1966-1971. The documentary features interviews and archival footage of feminist leaders during that time, such as Muriel Fox and Jo Freeman.

Available on Tubi | 93% Rotten Tomatoes