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It looks like it's going to be a great year for queer cinema! We've already got a long list of lesbian movies to watch in 2021, and it seems like there are more being added every week. From heart-wrenching dramas to light-hearted romances, there's something for everyone on this lesbian film list. So clear your schedule, grab some popcorn, and settle in for a fun night (or two) of lesbian movie marathon. And who knows, maybe you'll even find a new favorite film in the process!
"Matcha & Vanilla" is a heart-wrenching story of a lesbian couple in Japan fighting to stay together after one of them is diagnosed with terminal cancer. The story follows Ai (Qyoko Kudo) and Yuki (Tomoko Hayakawa) as they navigate their relationship in the face of Ai's illness.
The film is strongest when it focuses on the relationship between Ai and Yuki. The two women have a genuine connection that is both touching and inspiring. Their scenes together are some of the best, and they provide a much-needed emotional anchor.
While the film certainly has its strengths, I feel that it is let down by some creative choices that detract from its overall impact. The movie was written and directed by Hamish Downie, and while it shows a lot of skill and talent, it feels like it has been cut in places to make it shorter. Sometimes the plot seems disjointed, like a sequence of seemingly unrelated scenes loosely tied together. Additionally, the soundtrack seems weak at times and does nothing to enhance the drama of the story. Overall, this makes "Matcha & Vanilla" seem amateurish and less effective than it could have been.
Despite these shortcomings, however, there are also many aspects of this film that are impressive and exciting, making it worth watching for fans of dramatic films.
To read more about Matcha & Vanilla and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... on Lifetime, at least! The network recently announced their lineup of holiday movies for 2021 and it looks like they're going all out this year. In addition to the usual romantic comedies and feel-good family dramas, Lifetime is set to air its first lesbian romance "Under the Christmas Tree". The film stars Elise Bauman as marketing whiz Alma Beltran and Tattiawna Jones as Charlie Freemont, a Christmas tree whisperer. While they initially spar, romantic sparks soon begin to fly between the two women. "Under the Christmas Tree" is a heartwarming tale of love and friendship that is sure to get you into the holiday spirit!
To read more about Under the Christmas Tree and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"Flunk: The Sleepover" is a powerful film that follows the reunion of two young girls who first appeared in the queer show "Flunk". Tabby (Madelyn Sheahan) and ex-girlfriend Heidi (Georgia Crisfield Smith) have a lot of unresolved feelings between them, and their reunion is very tense and emotional. I found myself feeling almost uncomfortable watching these two girls fight like cats and dogs, but it was also clear that they still care deeply for each other.
To read more about Flunk: The Sleepover and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"Anne+" is a lesbian web series that started in 2018. The first two seasons tell the story of Anne, a 24-year-old lesbian university graduate who navigates life and love in Amsterdam with all its ups and downs. The "Anne+" film follows the end of season 2, but it's not really a sequel. It acts like an epilogue or a parenthesis. "Anne+" is a charming and relatable show and movie that covers a wide range of topics relevant to the modern lesbian experience. It's funny, heartwarming, and sometimes heartbreaking - but always worth watching. If you're looking for a feel-good lesbian movie, "Anne+" is definitely worth checking out.
To read more about Anne+ and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
Aileen Wuornos is one of the most notorious serial killers in recent history. She was arrested at the age of 30 and eventually sentenced to death for six brutal murders, though she was acquitted on one count due to a lack of evidence against her. A prequel film exploring Aileen's early adulthood, "Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman," is a harrowing look into this female serial killer's life.
Writen and directed by Daniel Farrands, this film draws upon Aileen's true story, offering a glimpse into her early adult years as she navigates her chaotic upbringing and turns to violence as means of survival. With themes of exploitation, abuse, and violence prevalent throughout the movie, "Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman" offers an unflinching portrayal of one of America's most infamous criminals. So if you're looking for a glimpse into the early adulthood of America's most famous serial killer, look no further than "Aileen Wuornos: American Boogeywoman".
"Little Girl" is set to premiere in American and Canadian theaters. The film follows Sasha, a young girl facing gender dysphoria, and her mother in Paris. Sébastien Lifshitz's latest release pays homage to transgender children. "Little Girl" has been praised by critics and audiences for its honesty, beautiful emotion, authenticity. The film also challenges parents to think about how they should respond when their child encounters gender dysphoria. It's a beautiful film that absolutely does not leave you indifferent. It is powerful and important and will educate and move audiences around the world. We highly recommend seeking it out when it comes to your area.
To read more about Little Girl and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"Wildland" is a thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. Featuring a talented cast of young actors, it tells the story of Ida, a 17-year old who is sent to live with her aunt, Bodil, and her family after her mom dies in a car accident. Initially disarmed by her induction into the brood, the mysterious nature of the family business plunges Ida into a moral quandary and the questioning of family bonds. Following Ida's journey through difficult times, "Wildland" navigates tough subjects like abusive relationships and addiction with sensitivity and nuance. The film is ultimately a powerful exploration of what it means to be part of a family, for better or for worse. If you're looking for an engaging and thought-provoking movie experience, "Wildland" is a must-see.
To read more about Wildland and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
When the acclaimed thriller "Stillwater" premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival back in 2021, critics were quick to praise its gripping plot and powerful performances. "Stillwater" follows a rugged oil-rig worker named Bill Baker (Matt Damon) as he travels to France to visit his daughter, Allison (Abigail Breslin). At first glance, Allison appears to be just your average teenage girl; however, it soon becomes clear that she is much more than that. Despite her young age, she has been sent to prison for a heinous crime she swears she did not commit.
As Bill sets out on an intense journey to uncover the truth about his daughter's fate, he meets an intriguing French stage actress and single mother named Virginie (Camille Cottin). With her help and support, Bill gradually unravels the mysteries surrounding Allison's case. Through their shared experiences and struggles, these unlikely allies ultimately find strength in each other as they seek justice together.
To read more about Stillwater and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
Netflix's "Fear Street" trilogy is groundbreaking in its approach to queer representation. The first film, "Fear Street: 1994," was an "opportunity to tell a story that hasn't been told within that genre very often, if at all," director Leigh Janiak said.
"Fear Street: 1994" is the first in this three-part series of films based on R.L. Stine's "Fear Street" book series. In the film, Deena (Kiana Madeira), a black queer teenager, and Sam (Olivia Scott Welch) have broken up. But Deena is still in love with her girlfriend while Sam pretends to be straight. Throughout the movie, Deena always puts her love for Sam first, no matter what obstacles get in her way. Whether it's a curse that was placed on her quaint little town centuries ago, a maniac wearing an eerie skull mask, or even ancient evil manifesting as a man, Deena is determined to do whatever it takes to be with the one she loves. She is strong and confident in her own abilities, and never lets fear stand in the way of getting what she truly wants.
"Fear Street: 1978" is the second installment in Netflix's Fear Street trilogy, and it struggles to live up to the high bar set by its predecessor. While the film is undoubtedly gory, with plenty of graphic violence that adds little to the overall plot, the storyline itself lacks coherence and fails to keep the viewer engaged throughout. Despite these flaws, "Fear Street: 1978" still offers a few entertaining moments, making it worth a watch for fans of slasher films.
"Fear Street: 1666" is the final episode of the Fear Street trilogy and it does not disappoint. "Fear Street: 1666" brings us back to the origins of the curse that has afflicted Shadyside since 1978 while sparing the inhabitants of Sunnyvale. The conclusion to this trilogy leaves us feeling satisfied and also leaves the door open for a sequel. Kiana Madeira, who is playing Deena, has conquered us once again with her ability to embody an emblematic character.
To read more about the "Fear Street" trilogy and watch the trailers, please click on this link >>
"The Exchange" is a new lesbian feature film by the creators of the web series "Flunk". This movie is about two women, Sabina and Esther, whose relationship is pushed to a breaking point when international exchange student Annie comes to stay. "The Exchange" follows these three complex characters as they navigate their turbulent relationships with each other and the world around them.
To read more about The Exchange and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"In the Heights" as a brilliant adaptation by director Jon M. Chu of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical hit of the same name. Set in Washington Heights, New York, this neighborhood is known for its vibrant Latin music culture and identity. And indeed, navigating this rich cultural landscape serves as the backdrop for the film's main character, Usnavi (portrayed by Anthony Ramos) in his quest to fulfill his dream of returning to his home country of the Dominican Republic.
But what truly sets "In the Heights" apart from other films exploring similar themes is its powerful representation of LGBTQ+ characters. In particular, viewers are sure to be captivated by the dynamic lesbian couple that plays Stephanie Beatriz and Daphne Rubin-Vega.
To read more about In the Heights and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"Benedetta", a lesbian French film directed by Paul Verhoeven, is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. "Benedetta" tells the story of Benedetta Carlini, a lesbian nun who lived in a convent in Italy in the late 15th century. The film is based on the book "Immodest Acts: The Life Of A Lesbian Nun In Renaissance Italy". Benedetta's story is one of love and desire. It explores her relationships with another woman in the convent. Benedetta is a fascinating character, and it promises to be a controversial and talked-about film.
To read more about Benedetta and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"The Retreat" is a Canadian independent lesbian horror movie directed by Pat Mills and based on a script by Alyson Richards. The movie follows the story of Renee (Tommie-Amber Pirie) and Valerie (Sarah Allen), a couple with a rocky relationship who decide to spend a week-long pre-wedding retreat with friends in an effort to reconnect. The film was well-received by critics, who praised the performances of the cast and the direction of Mills. "The Retreat" is an essential watch for fans of lesbian horror movies.
To read more about The Retreat and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"The Mitchells vs The Machines" follows Katie and her family as they go on a road trip and end up having to save the world from robots. The film is heartwarming and hilarious. Also, the "Mitchells vs The Machines" is the first animated film with a queer female main character and she's portrayed by openly bisexual actress Abbi Jacobson.
To read more about The Mitchells vs The Machines and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
Madame Claude was one of the most successful brothels in Paris, and when director Sylvie Verheyde set out to tell her story, she faced a number of unique challenges. Not only did she need to condense over a decade of events into just two hours, but she also had to find a way to realistically portray the complex relationships that developed within Madame Claude's brothel.
Despite these challenges, however, Verheyde managed to craft an engaging and thought-provoking film that explores Madame Claude's world in fascinating detail. Throughout the movie, we are given rich insight into Madame Claude's daily operations and personal interactions with her staff and clients alike. And despite being firmly set in the past, Madame Claude also offers an important reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by both women and queer individuals at that time. Ultimately, it is this combination of historical accuracy and modern relevancy that makes "Madame Claude" such a compelling watch.
To read more about Madame Claude and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
Justine has just been released from prison after serving time for petty theft. She's struggling to find a job because of her criminal record, and she's feeling desperate. One day, she meets Rachel, a student with a promising future. Rachel is kind and caring, and she sees something in Justine that others don't. The two women fall in love, and Justine begins to see a way out of her predicament. With Rachel's help, she starts to turn her life around. But can their love survive the challenges they face? Only time will tell.
To read more about Justine and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
Katie Found's "My First Summer" is a touching lesbian teen romance that tugs at the heartstrings. 16-year-old Claudia (Markella Kavenagh) finds herself alone after her mother, author Veronica Fox, suddenly commits suicide in the nearby lake. Grace (Maiah Stewardson) enters her life and they quickly become friends, then their friendship turns into love that will gradually help Claudia to mourn. The reality of the outside world will eventually catch up with the two girls, but the end leaves the door open to a positive future. Found's direction is confident and assured, and she draws wonderful performances from her cast, particularly Kavenagh and Stewardson. "My First Summer" is a beautiful film that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever experienced first love.
To read more about My First Summer and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"The Affair" is directly inspired by the 2009 novel The Glass Room by Simon Mawer. Writer Andrew Shaw and director Julius Ševčík wanted to tell the beautiful love story between two best friends, Liesel and Hana. But, even if one can appreciate the setting of the story, the situation in Czechoslovakia, the German occupation, the romance between Liesel and Hana is rather bland. Both actresses are as for them up to this story, but the love story does not really work and we stay on our hunger for a good lesbian romance.
To read more about The Affair and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
Norwegian director Mona Fastvold is back with a lesbian romance entitled "The World To Come" and is based on a short story of the same name by Jim Shepard. "The World To Come" tells the story of two women in the 19th century who become romantically involved despite the fact that they are both married to men. The movie stars Vanessa Kirby and Katherine Waterston as the two lead characters. If you're searching for a romantic drama with a lesbian twist, then "The World To Come" might just be the film for you.
To read more about The World To Come and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
"The Divide" (La Fracture) is a new French film that explores the effects of the "Yellow Vests" movement on a lesbian couple.
Directed by Catherine Corsini, the film follows Raf and Julie as they struggle to keep their relationship together in the midst of social and political turmoil. The pair strike a perfect balance between humor and drama, with great comedic timing. Catherine Corsini's writing is insightful and emotionally powerful.
To read more about The World To Come and watch the trailer, please click on this link >>
It's been a great year for lesbian-themed and wlw movies! We've seen a wide range of lesbian movies new releases 2021, and there's something for everyone on this list. From love stories to intense dramas, these lesbian movies have something for everyone. Now, if you're looking for new films to watch, be sure to check out our list of lesbian-themed and wlw movies released in 2022. There are sure to be some great new releases that you'll love!
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