Directed by Jay Roach (Trumbo) and written by Charles Randolph (The Big Short), Bombshell is a timely biographical drama released after the wave of sexual harassment complaints in Hollywood and the US media industry in general. At times, it doesn't transcend sensationalism, but the movie is a great starting point to get to know the #MeToo and Time's Up movements. The highlights are the performances of Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie and a terrifying John Lithgow as Roger Ailes.
Based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, this film portrays an abusive relationship disguised as love. It highlights the cycles of violence and the difficult process of breaking free. The protagonist, Lily (Blake Lively), must find the strength to leave her violent partner (Justin Baldoni) and decide whether to forgive or cut ties with the past. A gripping drama that showcases the complexities of abusive relationships. Interestingly, the film stirred controversy off-screen as well, with legal disputes and allegations of misconduct from both leads. More news on the case is expected. This brings to mind another controversial film, Last Tango in Paris, where actress Maria Schneider suffered abuse on set—a story explored in the movie Being Maria.
A modern reinterpretation of the classic horror story, this film tackles psychological abuse and gaslighting. The protagonist, Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss), escapes an abusive relationship but is still tormented by her ex, who fakes his death to continue controlling her invisibly. The story highlights how society often dismisses victims and how psychological manipulation can be as devastating as physical violence. Known for choosing roles that address women’s issues, Elisabeth Moss is an activist in social movements. Her work in The Handmaid’s Tale, now in its final season, has given her deeper insight into female oppression and representation.
A classic noir film, it tells the story of a woman manipulated by her husband into doubting her own sanity. The term "gaslighting" originates from this movie, whose original title is Gaslight. The film illustrates how an abusive relationship can erode a victim’s self-confidence, making her a prisoner of her own mind.
Inspired by the death of Mahsa Amini and the protests it ignited in Iran and worldwide, The Seed of the Sacred Fig explores themes of patriarchal oppression. Director Mohammad Rasoulof, known for challenging the Iranian regime, had to film in secret to avoid censorship. The movie blends real footage from the 2022 and 2023 protests with a fictional story about a family struggling under religious fanaticism, highlighting the fight for women's freedom.