Tomb Raider to Ocean’s 8: These films with female leads will make 2018 worth it

From Ocean 8's fantastic ensemble cast to Alicia Vikander's reprise of Lara Croft, 2018 has some pretty great films in store

By: Shalini Ojha |
January 10, 2018 5:15 pm

When Wonder Woman saved the world from Ares last year, she also broke a lot of stereotypes. Directed by Patty Jenkins, was the first of many firsts. The phenomenal success of the movie (with over Rs 5,000 crore collection worldwide) testified that the audience was hungry for films that show strong women.

At the 75th Golden Globes Awards, a few days ago, Natalie Portman called out the all-male nominees for best director, ignoring Greta Gerwig (LadyBird), and Dee Rees (Mudbound).

But will the films we see in 2018, help change perspective a little bit more? The line up for 2018 is interesting, with many action films with woman at the centre. Unfortunately, just one of these is helmed by a female director.

Red Sparrow:

Jennifer Lawrence plays a Russian spy who falls for a CIA agent and thinks seriously about becoming a double agent. The film, slated for a release on March 8, is helmed by Francis Lawrence, famous for directing the Hunger Games series. And if you watch the trailer, get ready for multiple instances of the male gaze.

Also read: Bollywood gave us female-driven stories in 2017, but with songs sung by men

Tomb Raider:

Directed by Roar Uthaug, Tomb Raider chronicles the journey of Lara Croft played by Alicia Vikander, who sets on a dangerous mission to end her father’s research. It lands her on an island where he disappeared and she has to push her limits to come out victorious. Absolutely praying Vikander isn’t viewed through the same lens Angelina Jolie was or we’ll have to endure quite a few crotch shots again. The film will release on March 15.

Ocean’s 8:

A released prisoner forms a gang of eight women to plan an impossible heist during the Met Gala. The film is helmed by another male director Gary Ross. But with an ensemble like that, we truly think this is going to be okay. The film hit screens on June 8.

Proud Mary:

Mary (Taraji P Henson) assassinates people for a living and handles guns like they’re NBD. The film is directed by Iranian-Swedish film director Babak Najafi and will release on January 12. An action film with a 40+ woman of colour playing the lead? Shut up and take our money because THIS never happens. #PleaseLetThisBeGood

Also read: #UnderTheCarpet: 11 embarrassing movies Bollywood stars don’t want you to see

Annihilation

Alex Garland, who is famous for helming Ex Machina, directs this movie featuring Natalie Portman in the lead which is scheduled for a release on February 22. In the movie, Portman essays the role of a biologist, who goes into alien territory with all guns blazing. Literally.

A Wrinkle in Time:

The only film in the list to be directed by a female director Ava DuVernay , this movie boasts of amazing female actresses like Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon and Mindy Kalin. This movie chronicles the story of Meg Murry (Storm Reid), who goes to a distant planet to find her lost astrophysicist father. The film will release on March 9.

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