Women In The Spotlight: Shows You Must Watch
Gwen Agpaoa
2020 is not the only year where women have been in the limelight for many TV series and movies, but it has truly emanated a handful of powerful women figures throughout its course, as these movies and shows have caught the public’s eye for their cinematically remarkable plots and characters. Along with shows and movies from the past years, here are some that we’ve watched and loved this year and recommend for the start of the new year:
The Great. Catherine is a determined woman who is set on reigning over Russia and acquiring it from her husband King Peter III of Russia, as he proves to be incompetent at his job. The Great partakes in telling a chapter from the story of the life of Catherine the Great of Russia, whose efforts and accomplishments have landed her “The Great” title and a series on Hulu. Although the whimsical tales within each episode are indeed entertaining, it doesn’t fail to show how her story has come to be and how great of a person and hopefully an empress Catherine is. Although a cliche, you’ll find yourself craving for more as the first episode alone is enough for it to be a great movie. Fortunately, it's a 10 episode series that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat.
The Queen’s Gambit. Beth Harmon is an orphan who has grown a liking for chess that ends up commending her with the title of “prodigy”. As she grows up to be a fine lady she brings this natural talent for chess with her, advancing every competitor that stands her way. It shows how she has handled the match between life and herself. The miniseries that is now Netflix’s most-watched limited series, is based on a book by Walter Tevis who has the same title as the show. In this book, Beth’s story was inspired by chess grandmasters in real life such as Robert Fischer, Anatoly Karpov, and Boris Spassky. The show pays high regard to Beth’s upbringing and her struggles as a woman in a “man’s field” while also keeping it snappy with its pacing and plot without leaving you bored and dreary. Netflix has truly checkmated this year with its 7 episode miniseries, leaving viewers’ eyes hooked at every tick of the clock, every move of the hand, and every piece on the board with “The Queen’s Gambit”.
Bridgerton. Daphne Bridgerton is the chosen debutante for the year’s social season and everyone’s eyes are locked on her as her engagement is the most awaited event for the people of London. But then, throughout the process of many courtships, she realizes the weight and purpose of a woman in those ancient times, soon enough the story not only revolves around her but also the people that surround her. Bridgerton is the newest period drama from Netflix, as it was adapted from the eight-book series by Julia Quinn. The book series has now set on to sell 10 million copies in the United States alone. Those times were truly testing for women as the show presents how a woman should be and what her only roles were to the men they wed with and the children she bores, but with the women in the show, you’ll get to see more in-depth characteristics of the women as well as how they develop with the flow of the events throughout the plot. With all the gossip, dramas, and scandals the Bridgerton family has prepared for its viewers, this 8 episode period drama has more to unpack in one season, leaving you fantasizing for a British accent and a whole lot longing for more.
Lady Bird. Christine is a high school senior who studies in a prestigious school in Sacramento, California. As she finishes high school and makes college plans, she also tries to navigate her way through the last years of her teen life along with learning how relationships work, especially the one with her mother. This coming-of-age movie is by far one of the most successful movies A24 has released, winning over multiple awards at the 2018 Golden Globes and being one of the best-reviewed movies on Rotten Tomatoes. Lady Bird shows quality through the authentic, raw, and heartfelt acting from the cast, as its empathetic view on both the sides of the mother and the daughter without taking away the realness and intensity of every scene that has them arguing and coming to terms, finds its way on also showing how that relationship affects Lady Bird in general. Throughout the 94 minutes of the movie, you’ll find something that you can connect with all the assurance of an ocean of tears by the last ending minute.
Little Women. Jo March along with her sisters Meg, Amy, and Beth, compete with numerous hardships as they find their way in the society of 19th century New England, whether it may be together or apart. With major actors such as Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, and Timothée Chalamet and an outstanding director Greta Gerwig, the movie is loosely based on a book by Louisa May Alcott, proves to be successful as it acquired over 6 Academy nominations. The movie shows not only in-depth of the characters’ lives especially Jo’s, but has also proven the exceptional talent that these actors have, without missing a single beat of twist and turns along with the plot. Not no doubt that these women are not so little, but in the 2 hours and 15 mins you’ll be watching, you’ll surely be left with bigger emotions and thoughts about the movie.
When you are about to watch the movies suggested, please do take in mind that these are not suitable for young viewers and that parental guidance is highly recommended. However, let that not stop you from witnessing the extraordinary and exploding talent that these actors have offered. All in all, it was truly a year for women in the digital spotlight works from them are surely something to look forward to.
