52 Films By Women: June

This month was almost entirely for first-timers, with blood, war, abduction and a little soul-bearing music.

Here are the films I watched in June that were either written or directed (or both) by a woman.

FIRST-TIMERS

Churchill (Cinema), written by Alex Von Tunzelmann

The war is coming to an end and Winston Churchill is not best pleased that the other leaders around him think he’s now expendable – having managed to get Britain so far through the war already. The film has some really well done and emotionally charged scenes along with some stunning cinematography.

Miranda Richardson is flawless as Winston’s wife Clem.

For the full review, click here.

See also: Unbroken, directed by Angelina Jolie, offers a different perspective on war – this time from the viewpoint of a man who ends up in a Japanese prisoner of war camp. The film is based on the real life of Louis Zamperini.

Prevenge (DVD), written and directed by Alice Lowe

Alice Lowe writes, directs and stars in this delightfully horrific tale of a pregnant woman on a murderous rampage after her baby’s father is killed in a climbing accident and she decides to kill off everyone she holds responsible for his death.

It’s bloody, it’s funny, it’s completely and utterly bonkers.

For the full review, click here.

See also: Sightseers, written by Alice Lowe, is another dark comedy, though a bit more weighted on the comedic side than Prevenge. It also comes up with a really big pencil.

Wonder Woman (Cinema), directed by Patty Jenkins

Action-packed, fun and totally badass, this is a superhero adventure with real humour, charm and intensity. Gal Gadot brings an adorable and fierce charm to the role of Diana and this film is super in every way. A must-see on the big screen.

See also: Mulan, written by Rita Hsiao – not quite a superhero but a total badass brave enough to forge her own path.

What Happened, Miss Simone? (Netflix UK), directed by Liz Garbus

Given that I have been a fan of Nina Simone’s music for most of my adult life, it took this stunning documentary to show me that I knew absolutely nothing about the woman herself. Racism, the civil rights movement, mental health struggles, violence – it’s all there in what is a documentary almost as raw and powerful as the woman herself.

See also: It’s not a documentary but What’s Love Got To Do With It, written by Kate Lanier, is about the life and career of Tina Turner and a phenomenal performance from Angela Bassett really makes it another must-see.

REWATCHES

Room (TV), written by Emma Donoghue

The story of a mother and her young son who live in Room is one of joy, love and horrific trauma. Ma, we learn, was abducted and hidden away in a locked shed in the garden of her abductor. Her son, Jack, is now five and the son of her captor. Emotional, upsetting and beautiful in equal measure, this adaptation of Donoghue’s book (written by the author herself) is a stunning film in every way. The cast, the direction, the sensitivity to the delicate subject matter are all masterfully handled. Flawless.

See also: Me Before You is written by another novelist-turned-screenwriter, Jojo Moyes. It’s really sad and moving but also very sweet and full of heart.

What films written or directed by women have you been watching this month? Join the discussion and tweet me at @filmvsbook