THE BRIDE! is the perfect movie to watch for International Women’s Day 2026. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s wild, brilliant genre hybrid hits theaters on March 6 — just in time for International Women’s Day. Here’s why it belongs on your must-see list.

Let’s be honest: there’s no shortage of movies releasing every week. But every once in a while, a film arrives that feels like it was made specifically for a moment. THE BRIDE! is a new genre-bending monster movie written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal. And this is exactly that kind of film.

It opens on March 6, 2026, just two days before International Women’s Day, and that timing is not accidental. It is fate. I gave this movie 4 out of 5 stars in my full review at Heaven of Horror.

However, for Womentainment readers, I want to go further and talk about why this film, specifically, matters right now — and why gathering your girlfriends, your sisters, your mothers, and your daughters to see it this weekend is one of the most fitting things you can do to mark March 8 in 2026 (or any year, really).

Here are the three big reasons THE BRIDE! is your International Women’s Day movie of 2026.

1. THE BRIDE! Finally Gives a Nameless Woman Her Own Story — And Her Own Voice

Here is a character who has existed in the cultural imagination since 1935. The Bride of Frankenstein. Iconic hair. Iconic scream. Zero personality. Zero agency. And zero story of her own.

That’s exactly what fired up Maggie Gyllenhaal. She became obsessed with the idea that this woman — literally created out of death and desire — had never been asked a single question about her own experience. Who was she before she became The Bride? What did she want? What did she feel? Why did no one think to care?

In THE BRIDE!, Gyllenhaal answers all of that. The film begins with Mary Shelley and Ida — both played by the extraordinary Jessie Buckley — before it follows The Bride’s own awakening and evolution.

This is not Frankenstein’s Monster’s story, not the mad scientist’s story, not the story of the men who surround her. It’s hers.

For International Women’s Day, that act of centering is everything. How many women throughout history — in fiction and in fact — have existed as supporting characters in someone else’s narrative? How many have been iconic but invisible? THE BRIDE! doesn’t just acknowledge that injustice. It tears it apart.

DO NOT MISS OUT ON THIS JESSIE BUCKLEY PERFORMANCE

Sure, she’s Oscar-nominated (deservedly so) for Hamnet, but Jessie Buckley is breathtaking in this role, as well. She switches between accents, personalities, and levels of physicality in a way that is genuinely awe-inspiring. She took my breath away.

There’s an intensity to her performance that makes you feel every single moment of her character’s becoming. If she isn’t nominated for every award next season, the system is broken.

2. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Film Is a Wild, Furious Call to Arms — And Women Need It Right Now

THE BRIDE! is many things: dark comedy, gothic romance, horror, sci-fi, psychological drama. But underneath the gorgeous 1930s Chicago setting and the brilliant Hildur Guðnadóttir score (yes, the Oscar-winning composer of Joker), there is something urgent beating at the heart of this story.

Something that feels deeply relevant in 2026.

This movie comes across as a call to arms. And with the release landing right before International Women’s Day, it’s hard to see that as a coincidence.

One of the most quietly powerful moments in the film involves The Bride discovering a phrase: “I would prefer not to.” When she doesn’t want to do something — when she refuses to perform, comply, or shrink — she simply says it. “I would prefer not to.” And then she does exactly what she wants instead.

There is something so radical and so simple about that. We spend so much of our lives finding elaborate justifications for our own preferences. As women, we apologize. We over-explain. We pre-negotiate. The Bride does none of that. She says, “I would prefer not to” — and that is enough.

The film also wisely makes this about more than just women. Frankenstein’s Monster — who goes by Frank in this version, having taken his creator’s name — faces his own version of rejection and erasure. He’s an outsider because of how he looks, because he doesn’t fit, because the world has no category for him. The parallels are intentional, and they’re handled with intelligence.

IN 2026, FEEL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH THE BRIDE!

On March 8, when we celebrate International Women’s Day, I want to feel something. I don’t just want a hashtag or a panel event or a “Shop Women-Owned Brands” newsletter. Sure, I want to also do that. But I also want to feel it.

I want to sit in a dark cinema and be moved and enraged and electrified by something that speaks to the moment. THE BRIDE! does that.

3. THE BRIDE! Is a Women-Led Masterpiece With an All-Star Cast That Demands to Be Seen on the Big Screen

Let’s talk about the sheer creative force behind this film — because it is staggering.

Maggie Gyllenhaal wrote and directed THE BRIDE!, and this is only her second feature as a filmmaker. Her first, The Lost Daughter, earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Screenplay, and both Jessie Buckley and Olivia Colman received acting nominations for their performances in it.

In other words: Maggie Gyllenhaal already has a track record of pulling extraordinary work out of extraordinary women.

Now she has assembled one of the most exciting casts of the year. Jessie Buckley leads as The Bride. Annette Bening — a five-time Oscar nominee — plays the brilliant, charismatic, and utterly unhinged mad scientist Dr. Euphronius. Plus, Penélope Cruz appears as a detective on the heels of our monster lovers.

In key male roles, we have Christian Bale as Frankenstein’s Monster, showing unexpected tenderness. Also, Jake Gyllenhaal pops up as a Hollywood icon adored by Frank. Finally, Peter Sarsgaard rounds out the ensemble.

And the score. Hildur Guðnadóttir won the Oscar for Joker, and what she has composed for THE BRIDE! is something else entirely. It’s eerie, sweeping, playful, heartbreaking. It wraps itself around the images in a way that makes the whole thing feel like a fever dream you don’t want to wake up from.

Does this movie work for everyone? Probably not.

It’s wild and violent and strange and genre-defying in ways that will disorient some viewers — and thrill others completely. Gyllenhaal isn’t interested in making something comfortable. She’s interested in making something true. As she herself has said, a woman at the helm of a genre hybrid is still not automatically given the benefit of the doubt.

THE BRIDE! demands that benefit anyway — and earns it ten times over.

THE BRIDE! Is In Theaters From March 6, 2026 — Go This International Women’s Day Weekend

You won’t be truly ready for The Bride. But she’s ready for you.

THE BRIDE! releases exclusively in theaters and IMAX on March 6, 2026. International Women’s Day is March 8. The math is simple. Grab the people you love, buy the tickets, and let Maggie Gyllenhaal remind you what it feels like to see a woman at the center of her own story, doing exactly what she prefers.

See THE BRIDE! in IMAX if you can. This is the kind of film that was made to be huge — the visuals, the sound, the sheer audacity of it. Also: stay through the early end-credit scene. Trust me.

For Womentainment, Accused isn’t just another psychological drama with a new take on #MeToo. This is a narrative grenade rolled gently into a space that has long been dominated by one archetype: the powerful male doctor, the whispered allegations, the unraveling wife at home.

With Accused, Netflix flips the lens.

Well, to a point, anyway, as we do wind up with another trope: The lesbian predator. Whether the queer doctor in Accused is truly a predator is the question waiting to be answered. In many ways, this is reminiscent of Tár, starring Cate Blanchett. Only, instead of a conductor, this time the woman is a doctor. A gynecologist, no less.

Also, this plays out in the UK, but it’s an Indian Netflix production, and much is in Hindi (unless you choose a dubbed version, which I never recommend).

Directed by Anubhuti Kashyap and starring Konkona Sensharma and Pratibha Rannta, Accused centers on Dr. Geetika Sen, a celebrated surgeon accused of sexual misconduct. But here’s the tectonic shift: she is married to a woman.

And that changes everything.

When the “Accused” Isn’t a Man

Stories about sexual misconduct have a familiar silhouette. A powerful man. A younger woman. A wife in the shadows.

Accused disrupts that silhouette.

Geetika is not the usual suspect. She is a woman in power. A surgeon and gynecologist. A spouse in a same-sex marriage. A figure of authority in a profession built on trust and bodily autonomy. When allegations surface, the narrative doesn’t just question her innocence. It interrogates our assumptions.

Because when the accused is a woman, especially a lesbian woman, the cultural script glitches.

Society often frames women as default victims, not perpetrators. Queer women, in particular, are frequently desexualized or romanticized in media. Well, with the “lesbian predator” trope, which is thankfully a thing of the past.

For the most part, as here it becomes a theme yet again… but not in a bad way, per se.

Otherwise, we are now seen more as lovers, artists, or rebels. Rarely are we depicted as figures capable of crossing ethical lines in positions of institutional power.

That discomfort is the real psychological thriller here.

A Lesbian Marriage Under Scrutiny

The emotional core of the film lies not only in public judgment but in private fracture. Geetika’s marriage to Dr. Meera becomes a pressure chamber. Trust is no longer automatic. Loyalty is no longer pure. Love is forced to coexist with doubt.

And this matters.

Queer relationships in mainstream Indian cinema have often been framed as fragile blossoms fighting societal prejudice. The conflict typically comes from outside: family rejection, legal barriers, and cultural stigma.

In Accused, the conflict erupts from within. However, again, Accused also deals with those other issues. Not least, as the women are both from India, but are living freely in the UK now.

The film dares to portray a lesbian marriage not as symbolic activism, not as tragedy porn, but as a complex adult relationship navigating betrayal, ambiguity, and moral uncertainty. That normalization is powerful. It says: queer couples do not exist only to represent struggle. They exist to represent humanity in all its mess.

Power, Gender, and the Double Bind

A woman in power is already navigating a tightrope. A lesbian woman in power carries even more invisible weight.

If Geetika is innocent, is she being judged more harshly because she defies expectations? If she is guilty, does that complicate feminist narratives that center women primarily as victims?

The film does not rush toward clarity, and that restraint is strategic. As Kashyap has said, the story resists easy answers. It lingers in ambiguity, forcing audiences to confront their own biases.

And perhaps the most radical move is this: Accused does not sanitize its queer protagonist. It does not make her morally pure to earn audience sympathy. It allows her to be complicated.

That alone feels like progress.

Why The 2026 Netflix Accused Story Matters Now

In global conversations around #MeToo and workplace accountability, queer dynamics are often underexplored. Power does not disappear simply because both parties are women. Consent does not become uncomplicated because gender binaries blur.

By centering a lesbian doctor accused of misconduct, Accused widens the discourse. It acknowledges that abuse of power is about hierarchy, not just gender. It challenges audiences to think beyond the familiar villain archetype.

And crucially, it does so without turning the queer relationship into spectacle. Again, this was also covered in Tár, but with the 2026 Netflix movie Accused, there is the added pressure of the accused woman being a queer person of color.

A New Chapter for Queer Representation on Netflix?

Dharma Productions has backed a story that feels quietly disruptive. Rather than building drama through sensational courtroom theatrics, the film appears to rely on emotional stillness, silence, and psychological tension.

The result is a rare thing: a queer-centered story that isn’t about coming out, isn’t about homophobia, isn’t about forbidden love. It’s about power. Trust. Reputation. And the terrifying space between truth and perception.

In a media landscape that often flattens queer women into symbols, Accused gives us something more unsettling and more honest.

A protagonist who is not a stereotype.
A marriage that is not ornamental.
A story that asks us who we believe and why.

And perhaps the boldest question of all:
When the accused is a woman, are we ready to look at her the same way?

Don’t Expect Too Much Affection from Accused (2026)

For queer women expecting to see the married couple being a married couple in a physical sense, there will be disappointment. On the one hand, I acknowledge that this isn’t the point of the story. On the other hand, you would never have seen a straight married couple interact with so little physical romance shown on screen.

So, make sure you set your expectations accordingly to avoid disappointment. A good follow-up movie could be I Can’t Think Straight. Just to see a wonderful love story play out in a similar setting and circumstances.

You can watch the movie Accused on Netflix from February 27, 2026.

Check out our list of the 25 Best Lesbian Movies. Even though we’ve given them numbers, they’re listed in a fairly random order. Whether a title is number 1 or number 18, it’s a queer movie you’ll want to check out. Did we include your favorite lesbian movie?

When it comes to lesbian movies, the landscape has changed dramatically over the years. What used to be rare and often coded representation has now become a much more visible and even celebrated part of cinema.

From groundbreaking indie films to Hollywood dramas and international gems, lesbian love stories have been told in many powerful ways.

These movies don’t just resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences—they stand as unforgettable works of art that explore love, identity, desire, and resilience.

In this updated 2025 list, we’ve gathered 25 of the best lesbian movies of all time. Some are romantic, some are heartbreaking, and others are bold explorations of queer life through different lenses.

Whether you’re looking for an emotional classic, a stylish period drama, or a modern favorite that pushes boundaries, this list has something for everyone.

1. Carol (2015)

Todd Haynes’ gorgeous adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt is one of the most iconic lesbian romances of all time. Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, it’s a sweeping love story set in 1950s New York, balancing restraint with breathtaking intimacy.

2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

This French masterpiece by Céline Sciamma is a slow-burn romance between an artist and her subject. With stunning cinematography and raw emotion, it has become a modern queer classic.

3. Bound (1996)

The Wachowskis’ neo-noir thriller is a stylish, gritty tale of passion, crime, and betrayal. Gina Gershon and Jennifer Tilly light up the screen with electric chemistry.

4. Blue Is the Warmest Color (2013)

Winner of the Palme d’Or, Abdellatif Kechiche’s coming-of-age drama is known for its intensity and emotional depth. Léa Seydoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos deliver unforgettable performances.

5. The Handmaiden (2016)

Park Chan-wook’s erotic psychological thriller, inspired by Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith, is a dazzling and twist-filled exploration of desire, deception, and empowerment.

6. Imagine Me & You (2005)

A charming British rom-com about love at first sight—literally—when a bride falls for a woman she meets at her own wedding. Sweet, funny, and full of heart.

7. Desert Hearts (1985)

Often hailed as the first positive lesbian romance in American cinema, Donna Deitch’s film is a heartfelt and hopeful love story set in 1950s Nevada.

8. Pariah (2011)

Dee Rees’ semi-autobiographical film is a moving coming-of-age story about a young Black lesbian navigating family, friendship, and identity.

9. Elena Undone (2010)

This indie romance is known for featuring one of the longest on-screen kisses in film history—a heartfelt love story between two women from very different worlds.

10. Disobedience (2017)

Starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, this film explores forbidden love within an Orthodox Jewish community, blending passion with themes of faith and freedom.

11. Ammonite (2020)

Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan bring quiet intensity to this 19th-century romance inspired by the life of paleontologist Mary Anning.

12. But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

A satirical cult favorite starring Natasha Lyonne and Clea DuVall. Bright, campy, and bold, it tackles conversion therapy with humor and heart.

13. Happiest Season (2020)

A holiday rom-com that struck a chord with audiences everywhere. Starring Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, it blends Christmas cheer with a heartfelt coming-out story.

14. Summertime (2020)

This French drama is a tender story about two women who fall in love in 1970s Paris against a backdrop of political change.

15. Water Lilies (2007)

Céline Sciamma’s debut feature is a coming-of-age drama exploring first love, sexuality, and self-discovery among teenage girls.

16. Saving Face (2004)

A romantic comedy that blends cultural identity with queer love, following a Chinese-American surgeon navigating her relationship with a female dancer.

17. The Kids Are All Right (2010)

This Oscar-nominated dramedy centers on a lesbian couple raising two teenagers, exploring family, love, and identity with warmth and humor. Starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore.

18. Rafiki (2018)

Banned in its home country of Kenya upon release, this vibrant film tells the story of two young women falling in love despite societal pressures.

19. Wild Nights with Emily (2018)

A witty reimagining of poet Emily Dickinson’s life and her hidden romance with her brother’s wife. Sharp, funny, and feminist.

20. Margarita with a Straw (2014)

This Indian drama follows a bisexual woman with cerebral palsy as she explores love, independence, and self-acceptance.

21. Kyss Mig (Kiss Me) (2011)

A Swedish romance about forbidden love between two soon-to-be stepsisters. Beautifully shot and emotionally gripping. Perfect for fans of our #6 on the list: Imagine Me & You.

22. The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)

Set in the 1990s, this drama follows a teenage girl sent to conversion therapy after being caught with her girlfriend. Thoughtful and moving.

23. My Summer of Love (2004)

Emily Blunt stars in this British drama about two young women from different backgrounds who develop an intense and complex relationship.

24. Mulholland Drive (2001)

David Lynch’s surreal mystery includes a passionate and unforgettable lesbian romance at its core. Dreamlike, strange, and deeply affecting.

25. Heavenly Creatures (1994)

Based on a true story, this psychological drama starring Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey explores obsession, love, and tragedy.

Free Lesbian Bonus: Sister Wives (short film)

No, not a reality show or some obscure male gaze movie, but a lesbian short film (made by a woman) that you can watch for free on YouTube.

In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we decided to cover it with a review to help spread the message. It even stars someone who recently played the lead in a Netflix series based on an Agatha Christie novel.

Check out our Sister Wives review here, where we also link to the movie on YouTube >

Get ready for Valentine’s Day with romantic lesbian movies. Some funny, some steamy, and all with happy endings. Here are our 15 best Lesbian Movies for the day of love.

Valentine’s Day is already soaked in roses, chocolate, and dangerously overpriced candles. The only thing missing? A movie night filled with women falling in love (with each other!), staying in love, and actually getting their happy ending. You know, opposed to the emotional devastation and aggressive indie silence of certain queer movies.

This list is a safe zone. No tragic goodbyes. No final-scene heartbreak. No staring into the ocean while whispering someone’s name. Instead, these movies should be perfect for V-Day entertainment for all WLW out there.

ALSO READ

Our feature: 26 Best Lesbian Movies of all time

Only lesbian romance movies with joy, hope, kisses, and end credits that feel like a warm blanket.

Whether you’re celebrating with a girlfriend, a situationship, or your emotional support pizza, here are the best lesbian movies to make Valentine’s Day glow.

Why Lesbian Romance Movies Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day

Because queer love stories understand yearning on a molecular level.

They do slow burns. They do chaotic first dates. They do accidental hand touches that feel like minor earthquakes. And when the ending is happy, it lands like a soft meteor made of glitter and relief.

Also, let’s be honest: women in love with women on screen simply raise the emotional temperature of the room by several degrees.

Science probably confirms this – or it would if someone would do a scientific study among LGBTQ+ women.

Best Lesbian Movies for Valentine’s Day (Happy Ending Edition)

1. Imagine Me & You (2005)

Director: Ol Parker

The gold standard. The blueprint. The rom-com that launched a thousand “wait… am I gay?” realizations.

A bride falls for a florist. Yes, on her wedding day. Yes, chaos ensues. Yes, love wins.

Bonus: Even the straight guy, who loses his new bride, is all kinds of wonderful.
Mood: Cozy, romantic, British blushing
Perfect for: First-date energy or full couple cuddling

2. Saving Face (2004)

Director: Alice Wu

A surgeon. A dancer. Secret feelings. Family expectations doing emotional parkour in the background.

Tender, funny, and quietly powerful. The ending feels like opening a window after a long winter.

Mood: Soft joy, heartfelt, gentle humor
Perfect for: Couples who love warmth with substance

3. Kiss Me (Kyss Mig) (2011)

Director: Alexandra-Therese Keining

Two women meet at their parents’ engagement party. Romance politely explodes.

Scandinavian elegance meets emotional honesty.

Mood: Restrained passion, clean beauty
Perfect for: Wine + long couch silence + holding hands

4. I Can’t Think Straight  (2008)

Director: Shamin Sarif

A young woman engaged and about to enter into an arranged marriage meets her best friend’s girlfriend and falls in love.

Fortunately, the girl loves her back, but is she ready to go against the wishes of her family?

Mood: Strangers to friends to lovers and rebels
Perfect for: Those who love a classic rom-com

5. But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Director: Jamie Babbit

Pink. Extremely pink. A conversion therapy camp accidentally becomes a lesbian awakening spa.

Satirical, iconic, and still deliciously rebellious.

Mood: Campy romance with cotton-candy chaos
Perfect for: Laughing, quoting lines, falling in love again

6. The Handmaiden (2016)

Director: Park Chan-wook

Luxury. Lies. Elaborate plotting. Two women outsmarting absolutely everyone.

It’s erotic, clever, visually extravagant, and ends with freedom wrapped in silk sheets.

Mood: Sensual chess match with romance fireworks
Perfect for: “Let’s turn the lights low” nights

7. DEBS (2004)

Director: Angela Robinson

Lesbian spies. A villainess with cheekbones sharp enough to cut diamonds. Flirting through enemy lines.

It’s ridiculous in the best way.

Mood: Playful, flirty, popcorn romance
Perfect for: Stress-free Valentine vibes

8. Nina’s Heavenly Delights (2006)

Director: Pratibha Parmar

Indian cooking competitions + lesbian romance = cinematic comfort food.

Spices, grief, flirting, healing.

Mood: Warm, joyful, delicious
Perfect for: Ordering takeout afterward

9. Desert Hearts (1985)

Director: Donna Deitch

A repressed professor of literature meets a carefree, spirited young lesbian.

The professor is seduced and discovers a wonderful new option – all while waiting for her divorce papers.

Mood: Rebellious romance with a meet-cute and strong realism

Perfect for: Anyone ready to fight for their love

10. Lez Bomb (2018)

Director: Jenna Laurenzo

Coming out at Thanksgiving. Chaos, wine, parents, secrets, and awkward honesty.

Relatable, funny, and victorious in the end.

Mood: Awkward joy with family seasoning
Perfect for: Modern couples

11. Carmen & Lola (2018)

Director: Arantxa Echevarría

Two Romani girls fall in love against tradition.

Gritty, emotional, but ultimately hopeful and freeing.

Mood: Fierce tenderness
Perfect for: When love feels like rebellion

12. My Days of Mercy (2017)

Director: Tali Shalom Ezer

Two women meet while standing on opposite sides of a political protest. Romance happens anyway.

Love is stubborn like that.

Mood: Emotional gravity with soft light
Perfect for: Deep conversations afterward

13. Elena Undone (2010)

Director: Nicole Conn

A pastor’s wife meets a writer. Emotional walls collapse politely, then dramatically.

The ending is pure relief.

Mood: Romantic honesty, the longest make-out session
Perfect for: Quiet nights, long hugs

14. Carol (2015)

Director: Todd Haynes

An iconic meet-cute during Christmas shopping awakens an aspiring photographer’s true feelings.

The young woman falls for a woman in 1950s New York.

While based on Patricia Highsmith’s iconic novel “The Price of Salt”, the movie ends on a much more hopeful note.

Mood: Classic impossible romance with a dash of hope despite the circumstances
Perfect for: Believing that tomorrow will be better

15. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)

Director: Céline Sciamma

A female painter is tasked with painting a wedding portrait of a young woman, and falls in love with her in the process.

The object of her painting loves her right back, so they embark on a whirlwind romance.

Please note: This movie doesn’t have a classic happy ending, which would have been unrealistic. Instead, it ends with them both always acknowledging and honoring their love story. 

Mood: Deeply romantic, quite steamy, realistic yet rebellious
Perfect for: A reminder that love endures struggle

BONUS short film: Sister Wives (2024)

Director: Louisa Connolly-Burnham

Two sister wives are married to the same man, but soon find each other much more interesting.

This one has a few surprises and twists, despite being a short film of just 29 minutes.

Watch it for free on YouTube via the production company’s own channel here >

Mood: Starts in a dark place, turns lighter, ends with love conquering all
Perfect for: Anyone who needs a short and sweet love story

TL;DR Feel-Good Lesbian Romantic Comedies (Quick Picks)

• Imagine Me & You
• DEBS
• But I’m a Cheerleader
• I Can’t Think Straight
• Nina’s Heavenly Delights

If you want laughter with your kissing scenes, start here.

Where to Stream These Lesbian Romance Movies

Availability changes often, but many can be found on:

• Amazon Prime Video
• Apple TV
• Google Play Movies
• Netflix (region dependent)
• LGBTQ-focused platforms like Tello and Revry
• Also, check out free platforms like YouTube and Tubi

Tip: searching the movie title + “streaming” usually reveals the fastest answer.

Enjoy Valentine’s Day with a great lesbian movie

Valentine’s Day doesn’t need tragedy to be meaningful. Especially not for lesbians, who have had plenty of that with “Bury Your Gays” and terrible WLW tropes.

Sometimes it just needs two women choosing each other. Maybe on a couch that forgives crumbs, and a screen glowing softly in the dark like a promise.

Pick one. Or five. Let the credits roll gently. Let love win proudly and loudly.

On Netflix, Stranger Things Season 5 has Maya Hawke’s “Robin Buckley” be the Queer Elder. Warning: this piece includes spoilers to Stranger Things season 5 volume 1, so read at your own risk. No details are revealed – unless they are related to anything LGBTQ+. Consider yourself warned!

Who saw this coming on Stranger Things season 5: Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) becomes the Queer Elder to Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), and helps him tap into the powers he had all along. Obviously, it’s made even better by the fact that these two actors are both part of the LGBTQ+ community in real life.

No, not both as queer people, though both are outspoken advocates for the community. Noah Schnapp is gay, and Maya Hawke is a fierce ally who fought to make Robin Buckley a lesbian in the first place.

A beautiful “Friend of Dorothy”-moment

You know how in The Wizard of Oz, when Glinda tells Dorothy: “You’ve always had the power“?

Well, that’s pretty much what happens in Stranger Things Season 5. Only it’s the lesbian Robin Buckley, who talks to Will Byers, as she senses that the two have a lot more in common than just being part of the kids responsible for saving Hawkins from the Upside Down.

Basically, Robin becomes the Queer Elder and helps Will realize that there is immense power in being true to oneself. In the case of Robin and Will, this means their gay self. As long as they are hiding their own truth, they are holding back.

The power of coming out to oneself

Rather than Will Byers having a classic “Coming out” moment, it’s Robin recognizing Will and allowing him to have someone who relates to him as a gay person. It shows the power of coming out to oneself, which is always the first step.

Sure, it seems Will knew he was gay, but he didn’t feel safe or recognized as such. Until now!

It all begins when Robin is kissing her love interest, Vicki (out queer actor Amybeth McNulty), and Will catches a glimpse of them. To many, this might look like Will is being a perv, checking out some girl-on-girl kissing. To those who have been paying attention (and/or are gay), it’s obvious something else is going on.

From fear to acceptance

Robin is out to Steve Harrington, which happened in Season 3, when Robin entered as a character and became friends with Steve. Both worked at the ice cream shop Scoops Ahoy, and Robin initially loathed Steve because her first girl crush fell for the hunky Steve, and not her.

Anyway, Robin isn’t out otherwise and is nervous that Will saw her kissing Vicki. However, this changes when Robin recognizes something else is going on. She starts paying more attention to where Will looks and how he acts. As one does when recognizing a fellow gay.

Realizing Will Byers is gay, and trying to accept this about himself, she starts talking to him about her own experience with realizing she was gay. The two bond, and in the final showdown of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 1, Will is finally able to lean into the power inside himself.

It truly is a “You’ve always had the power” moment, and it seems Will Byers, accepting himself, is as powerful as Eleven… maybe even the supervillain Vecna!

How powerful is Will?

In Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2, we will likely see just how powerful Will Byers is now. One thing is for sure: Being true to himself was a real power boost.

Maybe Robin Buckley will also tap into that courage she awakened in Will. As Volume 1 ended, she was forced to cancel a second planned date with Vicki. Obviously, Vicki is probably quite upset by now. In fact, it’s possible Robin simply stood up Vicki this second time around.

Personally, I can’t wait to see just how powerful Will is now, and how Robin will make it up to Vicki.

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 is coming to Netflix on December 25, 2025.