If you already need a break from the stress of the semester, consider checking out these films from 2022. Directed by women, these movies are sure to empower (or at least distract) you from getting those assignments done:
Leonor Will Never Die, directed by Martika Ramirez Escobar
In this psychological film, audiences enter Leonor’s dream world after she gets hit on the head with a television, sending her into a coma where she imagines a world where she is the superhero of her own screenplay.
Available to watch on YouTube or Prime Video.
The Woman King, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood
Starring Viola Davis as Nanisca and Lashana Lynch as Izogie, the film follows a group of female warriors who protect Dahomey, a kingdom in West Africa as they encounter and fight enemies intruding on their land. Set in the 1800s, this historical drama is based on the real-life tribe of Agojie, who are documented in history as one of the few female-only military armies.
Available to watch on YouTube or Prime Video.
Aftersun, directed by Charlotte Wells
In this fictional drama, Paul Mescal plays Calum, a young father struggling with parenthood as he raises his 11-year old daughter Sophie. “Capturing the thick, complex reality of their bond”, this role earned Mescal his first Oscar nomination this year.
Available to watch on YouTube or Prime Video.
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies, directed by Halina Reijn
Renting a mansion with friends sounds like fun, until one of them dies and the vacation quickly turns into something sinister. This is essentially the plot for Reijn’s horror-comedy, starring Amandla Stenberg, Rachel Sennott, and Pete Davidson.
Available to watch on YouTube or Prime Video.
Turning Red, directed by Domee Shi
Inspired by her upbringing in Canada during the early 2000s, Shi’s animated film is both fun and familiar as we watch Mei struggle to navigate childhood changes, from the complexities of love to getting her first period. This film is perfect if you’re in the mood to laugh, cry, or remember how scary yet exciting growing up can be.
Available to watch on Disney+, YouTube, or Prime Video.