Leading Ladies

With the recent snub of females in the nominees for Best Director at the Golden Globes, despite the large array of excellent movies to choose from, here is a list of films directed by females. 

1. Raw; Julia Docournau Click here to see trailer

This film was absolutely disgusting, horrific, terrifying, and surprising - in all of the right ways. Young Justine (Garance Marillier) is starting her first day at university to become a vet, but she is forced to partake in hazing rituals which include eating strange animal parts even though she is a devout vegetarian. Slowly, her thirst for blood grows stronger and stronger until she is completely overcome by the need to eat human meat. This is a highly unusual film but I couldn't tear my eyes away. 

2. To the Bone; Marti Noxon Click here to see trailer

This Netflix release had a lot of people talking - for both the right and wrong reasons. Based loosely on a true story about a young woman Ellen (Lily Collins) and her struggles with anorexia disorder. This film shows her family's reaction, her growth, her unconventional therapy, and her potential to overcome this all-encompassing disorder. This film brought to our attention Hollywood's obsession with being thin - especially after actress Collins was congratulated for her weight loss! 

3. Billy Madison; Tamra Davis Click here to watch trailer

You may be surprised to learn that this stupid yet endearing Adam Sandler classic was directed by a woman. Growing up a spoilt rich kid Billy has never taken his responsibilities seriously and in turn, did a terrible job at school and only passed because of his father's influence. The idiotic man-child is forced to go back to primary school and pass in order to collect his inheritance. 

4. The Piano; Jane Campion Click here to see trailer

The reputation of this timeless film proceeds itself, and has become famous for propelling a young Anna Paquin into stardom. This is one of New Zealand's proudest moments and for a good reason. Ada (Holly Hunter) and her young daughter are shipped to New Zealand to marry a wealthy landowner (Sam Neill), but the couple don't get along very well as Ada is mute and refuses to show affection to her new husband. Her beloved piano is left behind on the beach, and the only way she is able to play is to befriend a local Maori man - but this sets in turn some truly horrifying events. 

5. Thirteen; Catherine Hardwicke Click here to see trailer

Another classic starring the versatile Holly Hunter. Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood) is a sweet and highly achieving teenager, until she meets the most popular and manipulative girl in school (Nikki Reed) and is spellbound by her lack of regard for the law, personal safety, and education. The pair reek havoc on their town, family, and selves. 

6. Going the Distance; Nanette Burstein Click here to see trailer

Just as sweet and it is cheesy, this rom-com is thoroughly enjoyable. Erin (Drew Barrymore) and Garrett (Justin Long) have just started dating when Erin is forced to move far away - but the pair agree to keep going in a long distance relationship. As you can imagine, this is much harder than they thought and their love is put to the test. 

7. The Hurt Locker; Kathryn Bigelow Click here to see trailer

Thrilling, real, heartwrenching, and intelligent are some of the ways people have described this movie - and many are surprised to learn the war based epic is directed by a female. Two members of the bomb disposal unit in Afghanistan must work together in the most trying and dangerous times, and fight for their survival. 

8. Whale Rider; Niki Caro Click here to see trailer

Young girl Pai (Keisha Castle-Hughes) comes from a long line of Maori chiefs, yet cannot be a successor to the role because she is a girl. Pai has grit, determination, and a spiritual awareness her whanau cannot comprehend and shows them how much a female is able to do.