My problem with “Wonder Woman 1984” isn’t so much the plot itself—although it’s pretty muddled—but the way the machinations of the plot rest on gendered characterizations we really shouldn’t have to put up with anymore in 2020.
Author: Aviva Dove-Viebahn
Aviva Dove-Viebahn is an assistant professor of film and media studies at Arizona State University and a contributing editor for Ms.' Scholar Writing Program.
Feminist Faves: Stream the Best Films Released in 2020
What better way to decompress from a particularly harrowing year than enjoying some great, feminist films released to streaming in 2020.
What “Happiest Season” Is, What It Isn’t, and What It Could Be
Feminist film critic Aviva Dove-Viebahn offers her take on the new holiday film “Happiest Season”:
“Am I unfair in blaming Clea DuVall for her movie’s missed opportunities, for telling an opportunistic story that resembles the ones we’ve been told over and over for decades now?”
Feminist Lens: Patricia Vidal Delgado’s Insightful First Feature Confronts Imperialism, Past and Present
“La Leyenda Negra,” available on HBO Max and HBO Latino, is a rare gift, offering glimpses into the contradictory forces at work in the coming of age of Latinx teenagers in contemporary America.
“The Glorias” Film Explores The Many Faces of Gloria Steinem
Taymor’s film about Steinem—”The Glorias”—shows the complexities of many different yet united women, who form the backbone of a movement for peace, freedom and equality.
Feminist Lens: Zahra Rasool, Naima Ramos-Chapman and Immersive AR/VR Installation “Still Here”
Produced by Al Jazeera Contrast, and created by Zahra Rasool, Sarah Springer and VR 360 writer and director Naima Ramos-Chapman, “Still Here” meditates on the prison industrial complex, urban gentrification and the experience of formerly incarcerated women.
Feminist Lens: Cheryl L. Bedford’s Vision for a Diverse and Inclusive Hollywood
Founder of the largest—and one of the only—diversity and inclusion initiatives focused exclusively on women of color in the film and television industry, Cheryl L. Bedford sees no use in maintaining the status quo.
“I used to say that women of color need to work twice as hard to be considered half as good; that’s what I was told as I was growing up. Now, I say that women of color should be able to be like mediocre white men and still get hired.”
Feminist Faves: Netflix Shows to Binge this Summer (Drama)
Seeking catharsis through gripping, unconventional dramas? There are plenty of shows featuring compelling feminist characters streaming on Netflix to carry you through the coming months.
Feminist Faves: Netflix Shows to Binge this Summer (Comedy)
Looking for a smart comedy to take your mind off the current state of the world? there are plenty of shows featuring compelling feminist characters streaming on Netflix to carry you through the coming months.
Feminist Faves: Netflix Shows for Kids Featuring Strong Girls and Women
Parents around the country (including feminist professor and media scholar Aviva Dove-Viebahn) have spent more time recently browsing streaming services like Netflix in search of fun—and feminist—content. Dove-Viebahn and her six-year-old daughter are happy to recommend these five kid-friend feminist faves!