LGBTQ+ representation in the media was nearly nonexistent before the 21st century, and even now, it bears no comparison to the amount of cishet representation we see. When queer cinema, specifically sapphic films, are released, they don’t get nearly as much attention as they deserve. These films are crafted beautifully, made with care that seeps out of the screen when you’re watching.
If you haven’t gotten into sapphic cinema yet, I urge you to find a film that fits your mood. No matter what, each film will be just as wonderful as the rest.
“But I’m a Cheerleader”
Megan, a churchgoing, “good girl” cheerleader, arrives home from school one day to find that her family and friends have staged a gay intervention for her and that she is being sent to conversion therapy. At her conversion camp, she meets Graham and a host of other queer people who help her understand her true self.
Arguably every lesbian’s favorite movie, this satirical romantic comedy is unlike any other movie I’ve seen. It blurs the lines between reality and fiction seamlessly, addressing the very real problem of homophobia and conversion therapy, while still letting the audience laugh. With a cast starring Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, Melanie Lynskey and even RuPaul, this movie truly cannot be beat.
Watching it will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but with a newfound compassion toward those who are subjected to conversion therapy today.
“The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love”
When lesbian high school outcast Randy Dean meets picture-perfect silver-spoon Evie Roy, the two quickly become close friends and eventually fall in love. Despite everyone in their lives trying to stop them, their love prevails in a heartwarming tale.
This indie romance does a great job of capturing the politics in a rural ‘90s community. Having Randy live with her lesbian aunts highlights the usually unseen parts of LGBTQ+ life in the media. It beautifully addresses the concepts of homophobia and the love that prevails.
“Booksmart”
High school is officially over, and Molly and Amy finally decide they can ditch the books and go to a real party. Everything seems to go wrong the night of the party, which causes a struggle between the two’s friendship and love lives.
A film that many call the female version of “Superbad,” this coming-of-age movie is cackle-worthy. Featuring one of the main characters, Amy, as a lesbian who is trying to find herself and a girl before college, the film’s antics are unmatched in relatability.
“Shiva Baby”
When bisexual college student Danielle finds herself with her parents at a family shiva, every possible problem gets thrown at her.
One of the most stress-inducing films I have ever encountered, this dramedy brings laughs, nervousness and peace through Danielle’s trials and tribulations at this shiva.
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire”
Artist Marianne is commissioned to paint a marriage portrait of Heloise, a nun being forced into an arranged marriage. To be able to paint her, Marianne must spend time with Heloise because she refuses to pose for a portrait. In their time together, the two develop a love for each other.
This historical romance depicts the tragic existence of many sapphics in the past. It acknowledges a beautiful, yet realistic love story, making it a classic in sapphic cinema.
“Love Lies Bleeding”
While working at her family’s gym, Lou meets Jackie, a bodybuilder who is passing through town on her way to a competition. In a complicated series of events involving crime and drugs, the pair’s love prevails.
This psychedelic horror film interestingly blends realism with complicated supernatural events, leaving the viewer to decide much of what happens in the movie. Nonetheless, it details a raw love story that everyone deserves to feel in one way or another.
“Bottoms”
Lesbian best friends Josie and PJ start a fight club at their high school in the hopes of catching the eyes of their cheerleader crushes, Isabel and Brittany. In a culmination of outlandish lies stemming from a joke about the pair being in juvenile detention, this fight club becomes a strong coalition of female solidarity in the school.
Releasing to theaters in 2023, this comedy rose in popularity at hyperspeed within the lesbian community. It’s hilarious and relatable, and Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri’s performances are unlike anything I’ve ever encountered. It combines a wonderful love story with insanity to a point that I could’ve never imagined. Spoiler alert: they kill a villainous football team.
Sapphic cinema is underrated in a way I can’t even begin to describe. If you haven’t seen any of these movies, I urge you to pick the one that seems the most interesting to you and just give it a watch. Trust me, you won’t regret it!