Why 2018 was a major step forward for queer women in film... and wasn't it about time?
In LGBT cinema’s current boom, there is no shortage of stories portraying gay men living and loving openly. Between the evocative, Eighties-themed love story of Call Me By Your Name and the tender romance at the heart of God’s Own Country, there was no shortage of male love on the silver screen. But when you’re a queer woman, finding films that showcase female desire without a tragic backstory are incredibly hard to come by.
2018, however, was the year that broke the mold when it came to the inclusion and representation of queer women. Unlike the predictable plots and cautious portrayals of gay characters in the past, there’s been no shortage of richly nuanced queer love stories that reflect the real world we live in today. From forbidden love and biographical thrillers to musically-driven dramas, lesbian and bisexual women have finally arrived in film, and they’re not going anywhere soon.
The beginning of the year brought us indie hits that explored female desire on their own terms. Director Desiree Akhavan answered the call for a coming-of-age film about young queer female sexuality with The Miseducation of Cameron Post, an adaption of Emily M. Danforth’s 2012 novel, which follows the story of a teenage Cameron (Chloe Grace Moretz), who gets packed off to a gay conversion camp to receive therapy for her homosexual impulses. Meanwhile Becks, a moving drama about a smalltime musician who moves back in with her mother in St. Louis after a devastating breakup, gave us intimacy, compassion and a refreshing focus on self-love.
Everyone loves a period romance, and Vita & Virginia, a historical drama exploring the defining relationship between literary powerhouse Virginia Woolf (Elizabeth Debicki) and her lover, the writer and socialite Vita Sackville West (Gemma Arterton), gave us the queer biopic we’d all been waiting for. Making use of the pair’s passionate letters to one another, we caught a glimpse of what might have been between the iconic duo, as well as find out how their relationship inspired the creation of Orlando.
Of course, it was Sebastián Lelio’s Disobedience that set the queer community abuzz this year. Starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams as childhood friends and former lovers from the Orthodox Jewish community in North London, the film tells a story of a transgressive lesbian romance that cannot be contained by social, religious and cultural norms. Best of all, the ending isn’t plagued by tragic tropes, but is open to interpretation, breaking free from the familiar character arc that usually befalls the sapphically-inclined woman.
Incidentally, Rachel Weisz has a second show-stealing performance in The Favourite, which centres around the dysfunctional relationship between Lady Sarah (played by Weisz) and her long-lost cousin and new maid Abigail (Emma Stone), who squabble for the attentions of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman).
There’s still a long way to go, of course, before queer women get the cinematic attention they deserve. Female-oriented stories of queer love are still few and far between, as women remain disproportionately represented on the big screen. In 2016, the advocacy group GLAAD found that only 18% of 2016’s top films included LGBTQ characters, of which 83% were cis gay men. Last year, representation plummeted, with a pitiful 12.8% of mainstream films featuring LGBTQ characters.
Still, the new year is looking bright when it comes to queer love. Keira Knightley is starring in Colette, a lush literary drama of France’s most prolific woman writer. Directed by Wash Westmoreland, the biopic opens the window on Colette’s relationships with women, in particular her affair with Matilde de Morny, the gender nonconforming artist with whom she rejected the suffocating gender norms of their day.
From young women on the road to self-realisation, to fully-fledged stories of adult desire, the diverse roster of queer female films on offer this year shows that cinema may finally be changing for the better. After all, everyone deserves to see themselves reflected on screen – in hope, heartbreak, and happiness.
Scroll down for the best movies of 2018...
The Favourite
Release Date: 1st January 2019
Why You Need To Watch It: Set in the early 18th century when England are at war with the French, an unwell Queen Anne occupies the throne with the help of close friend Lady Sarah. When new servan follows the heroic efforts of the cryptozoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god sized monsters, including the mighty Godzillat Abigail arrives, Sarah takes her under her wing. This biographical comedy drama is not one to miss, even if just for the stellar cast (Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Olivia Coleman).
Aquaman
Release Date: 12th December 2018
Why You Need To Watch It: Aquaman is an action fantasy based on Arthur Curry who learns he is heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis featuring Jason Mamoa and Amber Heard. We're sold.
Lizzie
Release Date: 14th December 2018
Why You Need To Watch It: This psychological thriller starring Chloe Sevigny and Kristen Stewart is based on the 1892 murders of the Borden family. Historical drama meets horror.
Ralph Breaks The Internet
Release date 30th November
Why you need to watch it: This entertaining sequel to "Wreck-It Ralph" sees Ralph and Vanellope on a series of adventures. Also, it's Disney so it's guaranteed to be good viewing.
Peterloo
Release date 2nd November 2018
Why you need to watch it: The fascinating story of the 1819 Peterloo Massacre where British forces charged on a peaceful protest rally in Manchester is one to have on your radar.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
Release date 2nd November 2018
Why you need to watch it: As Clara attempts to unlock a box she has been gifted, she enters a parallel world where she encounters a group of mice, a soldier named Phillip and the Sugar Plum fairy. The combination of the magical sets, stunning costumes and dazzling visuals make this the perfect film to get that festive spirit at the ready.
Wildlife
Release date 9th November
Why you need to watch it: Paul Dano's directorial debut is a coming-of-age story about a boy who witnesses his parents marriage and, subsequently, his family fall apart. Best of all, it has Jake Gyllenhaal in it. Say no more.
Mary Poppins Returns
Release date: 21st December
Why you need to watch it: Emily Blunt stars as Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins Returns, the all-new sequel to Disney’s 1964 film Mary Poppins, and she is really bringing all that original magic back! The new film is set 20 years after Mary Poppins first visited 17 Cherry Tree Lane, where Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) now resides with his three children, and visited by his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer). There are more unwelcome trips to the bank, this time with Mr Wilkins, an unpleasant bank clerk played by Colin Firth. Meryl Streep plays Mary Poppins' colourful cousin Topsy, with Angela Lansbury playing a character only referred to as "a kindly balloon lady", while original Mary Poppins star Dick van Dyke was shown dancing on tables as the banking head Dawes – although presumably playing the son of the elderly Dawes he played in the first film, who "died laughing" at the end. Need we say any more?
Disney101 Dalmations (Cruella)
Release date: December 2018
Why you need to watch it: What really makes the classics brilliant are the villains - and Cruella De Vil is probably the most iconic of all. Focusing on the origin of Cruella, the role is set to be played by Emma Stone, but can she live up to Glenn Close’s representation? And can we ever imagine Emma being a meanie?
Second Act
Release date: 30th November
Why you need to watch it: Struggling and frustrated with unfulfilled dreams, 40-year-old Maya, played by Jennifer Lopez, gets a chance to prove to Madison Avenue that being streetwise is just as valuable as being book smart and that it's never too late for a second act. This has total Maid In Manhattan vibes.
The Favourite
Release date: 23rd November
Why you need to watch it: Everyone loves a period drama and this one not only has Olivia Colman in it but Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Hoult, too. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, lobster racing and pineapple eating are thriving. After playing the Queen in The Crown, Olivia takes on frail Queen Anne and her close friend Lady Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz, governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail, Emma Stone, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.
Robin Hood
Release date: 21st November
Why you need to watch it: There's no men in tights and no Kevin Costner but this latest remake of Robin Hood is jam-packed with hotties including Taron Egerton and Jamie Dornan. All for one and one for all...
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Release date: 16th November
Why you need to watch it: JK Rowling continues her story of the Wizarding World with the next in the series of the Harry Potter prequels, Fantastic Beasts. This film is less about Newt Scamander but focusses on Dumbledore and Grindelwald – both of whom are competing for wizarding supremacy. After showing up at the end of the previous film, Johnny Depp will (controversially) be back as the titular Gellert Grindelwald, with Jude Law playing his friend-turned-rival, Albus Dumbledore.
Widows
Release date: 9th November
Why you need to watch it: Widows is based on a book by Gillian Flynn, writer of Gone Girl, and directed by Steve McQueen. Starring Liam Neeson, Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Daniel Kaluuya and Michelle Rodriguez, it tells the story of four armed robbers who are killed in a failed heist attempt. It then falls on their widows to step up to finish the job.
The Girl In The Spider's Web
Release date: 9th November
Why you need to watch it: Lisbeth Salander, played by Claire Foy, is a total badass and she's back again. She avenges men who treat women badly. The Girl In The Spider's Web is based on the fourth book from the Millennium franchise, written by David Lagercrantz. Previously The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets' Nest kept us captivated and it looks like this film is going to be equally as good.
The Hate U Give
Release date: 2nd November
Why you need to watch it: A powerful film based on the novel of the same name by Angie Smith. It tells the story of Starr, who lives between two worlds - the poor, mostly black, neighbourhood where she lives with her family, then the rich, mostly white, prep school she attends. But the difficult balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, Khalil, at the hands of a police officer. Now facing pressures from all sides of the community, she must find her voice and stand up for what's right.
Bohemian Rhapsody
Release date: 24th October
Why you need to watch it: Even if you are not a Queen fan, it's certain this film 'will rock you'. The music biopic has been a decade in the making following the band - particularly Freddie Mercury - through the highs and lows of their career. The frontman defied stereotypes and became one of the most beloved entertainers ever.
The Grinch
Release date: 19th October
Why you need to watch it: The Dr Seuss classic starring Jim Carrey has been a Christmas essential watch for years but how will this new animated version compare with Benedict Cumberbatch playing The Grinch, who hates Christmas? We can't imagine him not loving the most wonderful time of year.
Mowgli
Release date: 19th October
Why you need to watch it: OK, it might not have the catchy songs of the Disney version (who doesn't love a sing-a-long to Bare Necessities?) but this new version of The Jungle Book has a stellar cast including Matthew Rhys, Freida Pinto, Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch and Naomie Harris.
Serenity
Release date: 19th October
Why you need to watch it: Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway join up for this suspensive thriller in which a wife seeks help to kill her abusive husband. But in a small town where everyone knows your business, how easy is it to get away with murder?
Bad Times At The El Royale
Release date: 12th October
Why you need to watch it: Described as a "classy Pulp Fiction", the film follows seven strangers who find themselves at the El Royale hotel. They include a priest ( Jeff Bridges ), salesman (Jon Hamm ), gangster ( Dakota Johnson ), and cult leader (Chris Hemsworth). But peculiar goings-on keeping happening both inside and outside the hotel.
First Man
Release date: 12th October
Why you need to watch it: Hey girl, it's got Ryan Gosling in it. But better than that, he reunites with his La La Land director, Damien Chazelle, to play Neil Armstrong and tell the story of him becoming the first man to go into space. Clare Foy is amazing as Neil's first wife, Janet Shearon.
A Star Is Born
Release date: October
Why you need to watch it: Lady Gaga giving the performance of her life of wannabe singer, Ally. Ally is working as a waitress when she meets famed musician, Jackson Maine, played by Bradley Cooper. He falls for her and helps her change her life. Basically, give this film all the awards and listen to the soundtrack constantly - plus, Bradley's dog is in it so what's not to love?
The Spy Who Dumped Me
Release date: 22nd August
Why you need to watch it: What’s not to love about a comedy starring Mila Kunis and Saturday Night Live lol merchant, Kate McKinnon? Kunis’s Audrey and Mckinnon’s Morgan are two best pals who become embroiled in an international conspiracy after they discover an ex-flame is actually a spy.
The House With A Clock In Its Walls
Release date: 28th September
Why you need to watch it: Nothing is as it seems in the magical abode ten-year-old Lewis moves into with his wizard-like uncle, played by Jack Black. Soon after entering the mysterious mansion, Lewis undertakes a magic education under the supervision of Jack and none other than Queen of Acting, Cate Blanchett. If you love a good fantasy capper, this is the film for you!
Night School
Release date: 28th September
Why you need to watch it: Need another dose of Tiffany Haddish realness? Night School serves up another heavy dose of Tiffany-isms for you. This time around, Haddish plays the sassy AF night school teacher who is forced to teach a group of trouble makers, led by Kevin Hart, who have been forced to enrol. Will they finally pass the test to graduate from High School? Who knows but it will be a bucket load of LOLZ.
A Simple Favour
Release date: 14th September
Why you need to watch it: This dark thriller is 2018’s answer to Gone Girl with a side helping of slap stick comedy. Blake Lively stars as a mysterious and power suit obsessed larger-than-life mum who embroils fellow school gates Mummy Blogger, Anna Kendrick, in an elaborate game of cat and mouse. Dark but so delicious.
Christopher Robin
Release date: 17th August
Why you need to watch it: Be warned: the first twenty minutes of this film will have you balling your eyes out in a manner akin to the first time you watched Disney’sUp! After kicking off with a flash back to Christopher Robin leaving his childhood pals, Winnie the Pooh and co., behind for boarding school, we meet a Mr. Robin (Ewan McGregor) grown up and neglecting the needs of his wife, (Hayley Atwell) and daughter. Luckily, Pooh returns to save the day in a tale that will warm and melt your heart at the same time. Also, it’s CUTE AF!
Mission Impossible 6: Fall Out
Release date: 25th July
Why you need to watch it: Tom Cruise is at it again, starring as spy Ethan Hunt and doing all of his own stunts including flying a helicopter and jumping from buildings whilst breaking his ankle in the process. How profesh is he? Let’s get real, the real reason we want to watch this is because our Queen, Vanessa Kirby , stars as badass villain. Other key stuff happens, too.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
Release date: 19th July
Why you need to watch it: THE most anticipated film this summer? I think so! The star-studded cast are all set to return to our screens this July to celebrate the release of 'Mamma Mia!' a decade ago. Yes, it’s been TEN years since they all graced our screens together (feel old yet?) but this time we also have Hollywood’s period drama princess Lily James stepping into Meryl Streep’s shoes as ‘Young Donna’ and the Queen of Pop herself, Cher playing the role of Sophie’s Grandmother. The plot of Mamma Mia 2 follows Sophie’s pregnancy as it leads her to learn even more about her mother’s past AND adds 3 new songs to our film rendition collection including ‘When I kissed a teacher’ and ‘Fernando’. Mamma Mia!
Watch the trailer
The Incredibles 2
Release date: 15th July
Why you need to watch it: It’s been 15 years… Cue Older Rose from The Titanic But seriously, this is not a drill! It’s finally here! Incredibles 2 will be hitting screens this July and we couldn’t be more excited. In this highly anticipated sequel we find Elastigirl taking centre stage to save the world whilst Mr. Incredible faces an even tougher task… caring for his three children. But when a new villain emerges under the name of ‘ScreenSaver’, the Parr’s; in tow with Samuel L. Jackson’s Frozone must all come together to save the day. I mean it sounds pretty… Incredible.
Watch the trailer
Ant and the Wasp
Release date: 6th July
Why you need to watch it: Being the first Marvel film to be named after its heroine, don’t expect Evangeline Lily’s Wasp to be anything less than Kickass! This action-packed sequel to Ant-Man sees Paul Rudd’s Dr. Hank Pym don the Ant-Man suit once more but this time he must fight alongside Wasp in a jam-packed battle against one of the most powerful enemies yet.
Watch the trailer
Terminal
Release date: 6th July
Why you need to watch it: All you Margot Robbie fans out there hold tight. If you loved her as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, she is going to blow your mind as ‘Mad as a Matter’ Annie in ‘Terminal’ this July. Playing an unsettling waitress living a dangerous double life, Robbie is accompanied with Mike Meyers an enigmatic janitor, Simon Pegg, a teacher battling a terminal illness and two assassins, as their lives intertwine due to a revengeful criminal mastermind. With the trailer’s various references to Alice in Wonderland, we sure are ready to fall down the rabbit hole with this noir thriller.
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Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Release date: 22nd June
Why you need to watch it: Everyone lost it when the epic IMAX exclusive poster was revealed earlier this month and the film itself is set to cause even more of a stir on its release this June. Set three years after the Jurassic theme Park saw its demise, Owen, played by one of our favourite action Chris - Chris Pratt - and Claire played by Bryce Dallas Howard, are back in the island of Isla Nublar on a mission to save what’s left of the dinosaur population from an active Volcano. However, they soon uncover not only a terrifying new breed of dinos but also a conspiracy threatening the entire planet.
Watch the trailer
McQueen
Release date: 8th June
Why you need to watch it: We had the dramatic teaser. We had the emotional full length trailer which made us feel all the feels. And now, finally this June we will have the long-awaited biopic of one of fashion’s greats, Alexander McQueen. The film is set to follow the man himself from childhood to his tragic suicide in 2010, celebrating and exploring his prolific career. This jam-packed biopic will be full of interviews with McQueen himself, never-seen-before home movies, audio, behind the scene clips and personal commentary from those closest to influential designer. A must see for fashion and beauty lovers alike.
Watch the trailer
Avengers: Infinity War
Watch the trailer Release date: 27th April
Why you need to watch it: In the most epic Marvel showdown yet, Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers (including Guardians of the Galaxy's Gamora (Zoe Saldana) and Nebula (Karen Gillan) unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet - the evil Thanos.
Proud Mary
Release date: 23rd March
Why you need to watch it: From one kickass woman to another. Taraji P Henson plays an assassin with a heart (yes, they exist) in her first lead role in Proud Mary. The film follows Mary as her life is completely turned around when she meets a young boy and becomes his protector.
A Wrinkle in Time
Release date: 23rd March
Why you need to watch it: It stars Oprah, Reese Witherspoon AND Mindy Kaling. Do we really need another reason to watch? #OprahForPresident
Tomb Raider
Release date: 16th March
Why you need to watch it: On the topic of badass women, Alicia Vikander makes her highly anticipated debut as Lara Croft in the new Tomb Raider movie. The new film, directed by Roar Uthaug, will focus on Lara at 21 when she refuses to take on her father's legacy following his disappearance seven years before. Instead, she's a bike courier in East London, until she has enough and decides to try and track down his last-known location.
Red Sparrow
Release date: 1st March
Why you need to watch it: Jennifer Lawrence is back on the big screen as ex-Ballerina Dominika Egorova who is recruited to 'Sparrow School' - a Russian intelligence service where she is trained to use her body as a weapon. However, things take a dark twist when her first mission, targeting a CIA agent, threatens to unravel the security of Russia and the US. Is there anything better than a badass JLaw? Nope.
I, Tonya
Release date: 23rd February
Why you need to watch it: First of all, it stars Margot Robbie , which is reason enough to watch it. Aside from that, it's based on one of the biggest sports controversies of all time - the 1994 Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan scandal in which Olympic figure skater Kerrigan was clubbed in the knee by an attacker affiliated with her competitor, Harding, and her then-husband. Margot Robbie and Allison Janney have both been nominated for Oscars for their roles in I, Tonya.
Lady Bird
Release date: 16th February
Why you need to watch it: Starring Saoirse Ronan, who not only won a Golden Globe for her role but is nominated for an Oscar, Lady Bird is the ultimate coming of age story. Set in Sacramento, California, in the early noughties, Greta Greta Gerwig's directorial debut follows a fiercely outspoken teen who struggles to navigate her turbulent relationship with her strong-willed mother while dealing with the usual dramas that come with being a senior in High School.
The Shape of Water
Release date: 14th February
Why you need to watch it: The Shape of Water is this year's most Oscar-nominated film with 13 nods, and rightly so. Set in the early 1960s, it's based on an isolated and mute cleaning lady (played by Sally Hawkins) at a high-security government laboratory, who forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.
Black Panther
Release date: 13th February
Why you need to watch it: Set to be one of the most kickass movies of the year, Black Panther is the first-ever Marvel superhero flick with a predominately black cast. Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michale B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Daniel Kaluuya among others, it follows the story of T'Challa (Boseman) who returns to his home country of Wakanda, Africa, to succeed the throne after the death of his father, the King.
