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Title: Jewel’s Catch One Year: 2016 Language: US (English) Plot: The story of a dance bar called Jewel’s Catch One which was an LGBTIQA+ safe haven that broke down many racial and social barriers during the forty years it was in operation. The story follows the owner, Jewels Thais-Williams as she recounts her memories and reflects on the stories that grew out of the longest running LGBTIQA+ black disco bar in Los Angeles. Basic Review: • Jewel’s story is captivating from the get go. You are drawn in as you learn about the different phases of social change Jewel’s Catch One experienced. • There are many stories about celebrities visiting this very popular bar as it was a place free from the public’s prying eye. It was an equalizer. • They touch on the AIDs crisis and how deeply it affected the community. Through all of this, the bar continued to reach out to the community by helping however they could. • Jewel is quite an incredible person, she faced so much adversity and, despite this, was still able to keep her club thriving! Her story is inspirational.

Title: The Perfection Year: 2018 Language: US (English) Plot: Charlotte, who was forced to leave a prestigious music school to care for her dying mother, returns to her former teacher in Shanghai, where she meets the new star pupil Elizabeth (Lizzie) and they connect romantically during a night of clubbing. Events begin to spiral when touring the country side, as Charlotte offers Lizzie medication which results in hallucinations and ultimately the amputation of her own hand. As more information is revealed, the manipulative and seemingly malicious act is somewhat justified and the two pair up to take down the abusive cult within the musical academy. Basic Review: • There need to be some up front trigger warnings with this film. Apart from it being a terrifying psychological thriller, it also references, sexual abuse and rape in a cult setting as well as kidnapping, dismemberment and murder.

• The protagonists of the film played by Allison Williams and Logan Browning are wonderful, their chemistry, both romantically and as enemies is powerful and deeply felt.

• The themes of the film are intense and as someone who is not a fan of this genre, it was difficult for me to watch. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, I think this film will meet your expectations. There are so many twists and turns, that your opinions are constantly challenged and seemingly crazy events feel justified.

• The lower rating is because it feels as though the relationship is less romantic than circumstantial.

Title: Happiest Season Year: 2020 Language: US (English) Plot: Harper decides to bring her girlfriend Abby to her family’s house for Christmas after dating her for almost a year, but reveals during the trip that she is not out to her family as she had previously implied. Abby, who hates Christmas, reluctantly agrees to pretend she is Harper’s straight friend/room mate. When meeting Harper’s family, we learn of her father’s political campaign for mayor, her perfectionist mother, competitive older sister and wacky younger sister. We also learn of Harper’s first girlfriend who she denied and neglected when she was outed and bullied at their high school. Basic Review: • Clea DuVall (But I’m a Cheerleader) writes, directs and produces a lesbian themed Christmas movie with an star studded cast including Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Mary Holland, Victor Garber and Mary Steenburgen as well as BenDeLaCreme and Jinx Monsoon!

• I have heard mixed reviews from my queer friends but ultimately you have to see this film to make a judgement for yourself.

• There are some upsetting stereotypes and somewhat triggering moments in the film, having to hide the person you love, competition with an ex boyfriend, focus on heterosexual couples in a queer film, the sassy gay best friend and gender stereotyping. Although these themes put a real downer on the experience of watching the film, some of them are relatable and can help people connect to the experience of the characters.

• Some other issues I had with the film was that it lacked diversity in its cast and perspective. Although some of the cast are queer, the performances felt like celebrity virtue signaling and lacked depth. Kristen Stewart still feels awkward, especially in romantic moments and some competitive scenes between the siblings were more cringey than funny.

• Overall there were some wonderful things about the film. Some genuine comic relief to break the ice (thank you Dan Levy), a relationship that has realistic challenges but ultimately survives, unrealistically immediate but welcomed acceptance and lots of feel good moments.

• Ultimately it has some issues but lesbian representation in film is so rare, you have to sometimes look beyond the troubling nuances. If you’re looking for a feel good Christmas movie, that is easy to watch and equally relatable to both queer and non queer people, this film is perfect.

Title: A New York Christmas Wedding Year: 2020 Language: US (English) Plot: 12 years after losing her parents and best friend (Gabrielle), Jennifer is being pressured into planning a Christmas wedding by her affluent male fiancé and his parents in New York City. After a heated disagreement, Jennifer unexpectantly finds herself helping an angel who takes her on a journey of self-actualisation. By allowing her to live momentarily in an alternate reality, where she is instead planning a Christmas wedding with Gabrielle, she is able to uncover the true feelings she had for her best friend all those years ago. Basic Review: • A feel-good Christmas themed romantic comedy to add to your holiday watch list which I was able to view it on Netflix. • There are flashbacks throughout to show the audience the foundations of their relationship as teenagers, which is genuine and relatable, making it more enjoyable to witness. • It has quite a lot of references to the Catholic Church, however there is a focus on the shifting views of their congregation. • The film deals with themes such as teen pregnancy, stillbirth, death and suicide. It sometimes felt a little abrupt and insensitive. • It can be very corny at times (when the angel reveals who he really is) and there are a few moments that leave you feeling a little confused, but overall it’s a nice film with a happy ending for the couple, which is rare.

Title: Duck Butter Year: 2018 Language: US (English) Plot: Naima and Sergio meet at a bar and go home together. After a passionate start to their relationship, the decide that they’d like to continue it intensively for 24 hours. They vow to spend the entire day together, having sex every hour during that time. On the journey, they learn the nuances and intensity of a budding relationship. Basic Review: • The film has a very promising cast and both Alia Shawkat and Laia Costa give great performances, along with many other current and known actors. • At times, Duck Butter attempts to be funny but it just feels a little uncomfortable. There are a few toilet humour moments that are just odd. • There is excellent chemistry between the two women, it feels like you are watching a real couple but was also pretty erratic at times. • Because their relationship goes on a wild ride over the course of a day, you find yourself being able to relate to them in one way or another.

Title: The Last Lesbian Bars Year: 2015 Language: US (English) Plot: In cities like San Francisco, New York, Washington DC and New Orleans, where gay nightlife thrives, lesbian bars are still regularly closing their doors. Musician, songwriter, DJ and producer JD Samson, explores why for this thrilling episode of Vice. Basic Review: • If this doesn’t make you want to hit the town after the boredom of Covid19 lockdowns this year, nothing will. • The film explores how dating and meeting new people has changed as a result of social media. • It also explores how the American LGBTIQA+ community has become more integrated, which is possibly making it easier to go to any bar and still be able to meet other queer people. • It does seem apparent that there is still a need and desire for these safe spaces, so it feels a little sad to watch them slowly disappearing. • Catch it now on SBS (in Australia) or online here.

Title: A Secret Love Year: 2020 Language: US (English) Plot: A former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player (Terry Donahue) and her partner (Pat Henschel) share their life story, focusing mainly on the secret relationship that they kept hidden for almost seven decades. Basic Review: • After travelling to visit his two great-aunts and hearing their love story, Chris Bolan (director) decided the story deserved to be told through a documentary film. • The women fell in love in 1947, keeping it secret for 65 years, yet maintained that they had no regrets and that they would have done it all again. • When watching it, you can’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the people who helped pave the way for many LGBTIQA+ people who are privileged enough to live in countries that are safe for our community. • It is interesting to learn more about the herstory of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. • The ending is sad, mostly because they are coming towards the end of their lives but watching their love conquer all is heart-warming.

Title: Portrait of a Lady on Fire Year: 2019 Language: France (Subtitles)

Plot: When Marianne is commissioned to paint Héloïse’s premarital portrait in secret, she soon discovers why there is so much hesitance to rush the process. As they spend their days on an isolated island, the secret is revealed and the two become closer

Basic Review:

The plot of this film is incredibly romantic as Marianne studies and observes her model by day and traces her shape onto canvas by the fire at night.

There is an immediate chemistry between the lovers as their relationship grows and it is passionately depicted throughout the film.

Unfortunately in the 18th Century when this was set, the happy ending we look for in these rare forms of representation is unlikely, but the closing scenes are simultaneously beautiful and heartbreaking.

If you’re into period pieces, you’ll appreciate the craft and attention to detail in costume and set design.

The men in this film have very few lines and screen time.

The film apparently featured no musical score so as to draw rhythm from elsewhere, such as the movements of the bodies and the paintbrush on canvas. This is very telling of the emotional nature of the film and the passion of the writer and director, Céline Sciamma.

Title: Becks Year: 2017 Language: US (English)

Plot: Becks is a romantically charged musician whose love life entwines with each song she writes. After a devastating break up, she finds herself unemployed, broke and back living at her widowed and religious mother’s house who forces her to attend church and frowns upon her lesbian lifestyle. When she meets Elyse while singing at a bar for tips, things take a dramatic turn.

Basic Review:

Based on the life of folk music artist Alyssa Robbins and featuring the familiar, Mena Suvari.

This is an honest lesbian film where Becks’ sexuality doesn’t waver however, her love interest is in a heterosexual relationship where her partner claims she is feeling “lost” and “like a failure” perhaps to excuse her lesbian escapades.

There is no shying away from the same sex romance or affection.

Each scene is carried by Becks’ electric performance which always demands your attention, whether she feels happy, loved, hopeful or hurt.

I wasn’t satisfied with the ending but it doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the story overall.

If you love music, small town drama and can connect with parental disapproval, I think you’ll love this film.

Title: Àffinity Year: 2008 Language: UK (English)

Plot: After the death of her wealthy father, Margaret Prior sets out in search of new experiences when she decides to volunteer as a “lady visitor” at a women’s prison. She is instantly drawn in by a mysterious medium named Selina Dawes. Through ongoing visits to Selina’s prison cell, Margaret’s life starts to unravel as she discovers a side to herself that she never knew existed.

Basic Review:

Adapted from Sarah Water's novel of the same name.

The film is set in the 1870s, the sets are detailed and the costumes, elaborate. Great for those who enjoy period pieces.

The exploration of the two women, each living in their own prison, is powerful. Margaret, in a metaphorical cell controlled by societies expectations and gender roles and Selina, psychically behind bars.

Beautifully shot and excellent acting.

The film doesn’t explicitly explore their sexualities, rather asks you to read between the lines through their interactions and occasional closeness.

Title: Jenny’s Wedding Year: 2015 Language: US (English)

Plot: Jenny is at a stage in her life where her family are constantly speculating and questioning when she will get married and why she is still single. Little do they know, her room mate Kitty is her long time partner. Coming out to a conservative family can be the most confronting event in a person’s life and can be an enormous hurdle in these fundamental relationships.

Basic Review:

The charming Katherine Heigl stars in this lesbian themed film, along side superstar Alexis Bledel. The couple are excellent and committed to their roles and play their characters with great chemistry and authenticity.

Its a very common plot and one that myself and many other same sex attracted people can relate to. The film captures the fear, tension, resilience and love that coming out can encompass.

The film in unapologetic about the women in their relationship, its strong, unwavering and there are no men or boyfriends in sight! Happy days!

Such a feel good romantic film with some corny but mostly sweet moments.

Title: Disobedience Year: 2017 Language: UK (English)

Plot: A secluded Orthadox Jewish community is rocked by the death of their Chief Rabbi. His daughter, who was shunned from the community for her attraction to women, returns for the funeral and faces her past indiscretions. Her former love interest who is now married to the man who is in line to replace the Chief Rabbi, is challenged by her return and the intense feelings that are reignited.

Basic Review:

High profile actors star in the lead roles, Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz. The performance not only of the pair but their fellow cast members is of a high standard.

The film clearly has great production value., with a brooding and moody feel that uses shadows and high contrast lighting to create a tense atmosphere.

Although the story teases their relationship and there are some successful moments, the film really antagonizes its hopeful lesbian audience with frustrating indecisiveness right until the last scene.

There is a moment that I would have loved to know about when a scene shows the women spitting into each other’s mouths. Some people are into that and it symbolizes their connection but it made me feel severely nauseous.

There are also insightful and educational depictions of Judaism and Hebrew culture that allow for a deeper criticism of the situation the characters and community find themselves in.

Title: A Million Happy Nows Year: 2017 Language: US (English)

Plot: When experienced soap star Lainey starts forgetting her lines, she is confronted by the diagnosis of Early Onset Alzheimer’s. With her long time partner and publicist Eva by her side, she moves to a quiet beach house to process her difficult prognosis and try to embrace the moments that remain.

Basic Review:

This film tells very a important story about this horrible and heart breaking disease, in a sensitive and honest manner.

The production isn’t great quality and there are some really corny moments.

The story depicts an authentic and realistic lesbian relationship and no matter how difficult things get the women stand by one another and their relationship is sustained throughout the film.

There are moments where they need to defend their relationship to fans and medical personnel but ultimately there are no triggering homophobic events in the film.

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Hey everyone, I’m moving this blog and it’s content onto Instagram @lesbianfilms and soon over to Facebook too.

It will remain here on Tumblr but followers have asked for broader platforms. So please, come and follow!

Heaps of new titles coming soon!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

30 Followers, 0 Following, 130 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Lesbian Films (@lesbianfilms)

Title: Rafiki (Friend) Year: 2018 Language: Kenya (Swahili/English)

Plot: Set in Nairobi, young tomboy Kena already feels like a misfit. When she catches the eye of free-spirited Ziki, you can feel sparks flying through the screen. Apart from the complication of having their womanhood in common, their fathers are also political opponents. In a traditional town where homophobia is punishable with imprisonment and women are expected to become wives and mothers, the question is, can these modern romantics turn a forbidden story into a fresh reality?

Basic Review:

A daring film that further emphasizes the need for representation in film and how it holds political power and influence. This film was banned in Kenya for “promoting the homosexual lifestyle” and possession of the film could be punished by 14 years in jail. In order to have the film nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, director Wanuri Kahiu filed a lawsuit and the ban was lifted for a week and became the second highest grossing film in Kenyan history.

Whilst dodging the constant pursuits of young men in this misogynistic and homophobic society, these brave yet naiïve young women have an authentic, blossoming romance.

Their story bravely challenges social and religious norms. There are scenes of homophobic abuse (verbal and physical) as well as “conversion therapy” attempts that may be triggering to some viewers.

Bright neon colours light up the screen and an incredibly refreshing soundtrack laces each scene in dramatic, artistic flares.

Title: The Ring Thing Year: 2018 Language: US (English)

Plot: After an awkward non-proposal, a young couple explore the topic of same sex marriage and the less popular issue of same sex divorce. Through a series of “Sliding Doors” style flashes forward and back, the relationship in focus takes a number of turns as the pressure of commitment and labels for same sex couples during the marriage equality debate is piled on top of everyday challenges like health insurance and employment. A documentary is made within the film that hears multiple personal experiences of relationships, divorce, commitment and opinions on the debate.

Basic Review:

The start of the film is a bit slow and awkward, there may have even been an editing issue where the visual and audio don’t match up.

However, this film really flourished and grew into an emotional and relevant experience.

The dark side of marriage equality and the pressure it actually put on relationships is very rarely explored in film but its beautifully and thoughtfully shared in this film.

So many important conversations about pride, proposals, social constraints, monogamy, relationships, family, conflict, negotiation, love, marriage and divorce.

The characters become more believable as the film progresses (I think it was just a rocky opening scene), and their relationship is genuine, thought provoking and authentic.

Hey everyone, I'm moving this blog and it's content onto Instagram @lesbianfilms and soon over to Facebook too.

It will remain here on Tumblr but followers have asked for broader platforms. So please, come and follow!

Heaps of new titles coming soon!

❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

30 Followers, 0 Following, 130 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Lesbian Films (@lesbianfilms)

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