For this side of the film-buff internet, revenge is a dish best served by a cold-hearted woman. Halfway through the pandemic, Twitter user @cinematogrxphy unleashed the “good for her cinematic universe” onto the world. The spoof genre focuses on films and television where women overcome their hardships and, at times, get some sweet, sweet revenge. The original tweet and collage included films such as 2016’s The Witch and both 2019’s Us and The Invisible Man. These next five films are some of my favorite “good for her” films, and should be given a watch this Women’s History Month.
- Ready or Not
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For me, 2019’s Ready or Not launched the “good for you” genre. It was most definitely the blueprint, the catalyst, the moment. Ready or Not, starring Samara Weaving, is a dark horror comedy that flips the “last girl” trope on its head.
Grace, our heroine, is pulled into a twisted family tradition on the night of her wedding that finds her being hunted by her ridiculously rich and dimwitted in-laws. At face value, Ready or Not seems like a campy horror movie that wouldn’t provide any substantial contribution to the genre. It’s so much more than that.
Ready Or Not uses its satirical writing to hold up a mirror to the upper 1% of society. The film paints them as relentless in their pursuit of power, wealth, and influence, even going to the lengths of murdering the newest in-law rather than lose their fortune.
Ready or Not is available to watch on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+
- The Menu
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Another dark comedy, 2022’s The Menu mixes thriller with avant-garde film. The film follows a group of dinner guests as they eat at the elusive, elite, $1,250-per-head restaurant, Hawthorne. Amongst the laughably absurd ‘gourmet’ dishes served up, the film slowly amps up the tension and sinisterness, showcasing the consequences of excessive wealth and self-indulgence.
Amongst a star-studded cast, Anya Taylor Joy portrays our protagonist, Margot, a down-to-earth young woman who came out of the lower class and is only sitting in the restaurant as a result of the man she was hired by.
The film subtly comments on the upper-class disdain for sex workers, the food industry, and the working class as a whole. Moments of the film had me nervously laughing, cringing at lines that I know were meant to be funny, but echoed the words of out-of-touch gazillionaires. The cleverness of Margot throughout the film, alongside the great timing and genuine aloofness of the supporting class, will leave viewers satisfied with its fiery ending.
The Menu is available to watch on Hulu and HBOMax.
- knives out
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Rian Johnson’s comical take on the mystery genre blends a plot full of twists and turns with social commentary surrounding female immigrants and caretakers. Knives Out follows Marta Cabrera, a nurse who immigrated to the United States, as she and detective Benoit Blanc unravel the mystery of who killed Harlan Thrombey.
The Thrombey family, who are all vying for the late Harlan Thrombey’s inheritance, showcase how they truly feel about Marta over the course of the film. Whether it be quoting Hamilton to try and butter her up, or forgetting whether she is from Paraguay, Brazil, or Uruguay, the Thrombey family truly does not see Marta as a human being.
This makes the ending of Knives Out feel so triumphant. More than wrapping up a convoluted mystery, the film gives a rare win for Marta, who brings disenfranchised immigrant women to the screen in a refreshing, funny, way.
Knives Out is available to watch on Hulu Live TV.
- promising young woman
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Promising Young Woman, which subverts the roles we would come to expect from Carrie Mulligan and Bo Burnham, is a woman-directed, woman-led film that takes the avenues of justice into the hands of survivors.
Reminded of the traumatic loss of her best friend and angered by the blame shifted onto her, protagonist Cassie comes up with a plan to avenge her friend that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
The film tackles the ripple effects sexual assault can have on the friends and family of the victim as well as the ‘not all men’ mentality that ignores women’s fears rather than attempting to quell them. My favorite part, however, is how the film flips the common excuse given to perpetrators of assault: a mistake made by a promising young man. More than just the inspiration for the title, it’s a great conversation starter for why the promising future victims of assault could have had aren’t as valued.
Promising Young Woman is available to watch on Amazon Prime.
- midsommar
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Ari Aster’s sophomore film, Midsommar, was released to polarized audiences: you either loved the movie or hated it. Beyond the shocking plot, traditional A24 jumpscares, and gorgeous cinematography, Midsommar is a feminist film at heart.
Portrayed by the lovely Florence Pugh, Dani travels to a commune in the Swedish countryside for its midsummer festival. She is traveling with her toxic boyfriend and his even more toxic best friends, but their vacation quickly becomes more and more sinister. I won’t spoil anything about the ending, but past the confusion throughout the film are powerful themes about female desire, sexuality, and freedom.
Midsommar is available to watch on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Paramount+.
Midsommar