SUPERGIRL offers a more realistic take on the iconic female superhero. Milly Alcock does everything right in this movie as Kara Zor-El. While I wasn’t crazy about the overall plot, I still got chills when it was a full-blown superhero movie rather than a space adventure. Read our full Supergirl movie review here and watch it in theaters!

SUPERGIRL is coming to theaters now to show us Kara Zor-El in the new DC Comics universe from James Gunn. I really enjoyed his Superman movie starring David Corenswet, which also introduced Milly Alcock as Supergirl. However, the very same thing that I wasn’t thrilled about with that movie becomes even more prevalent here.

I’m talking about the fact that this movie, about Kara Zor-El AKA Supergirl, focuses more on adventures in space than on her being an actual superhero. I was expecting more of a classic superhero movie than this offers. With this movie, we’re getting something that feels more like a spin-off to Guardians of the Galaxy.

Continue reading our Supergirl (2026) movie review below. Find it in US theaters from June 26, 2026.

Not a classic superhero movie

In many ways, Supergirl is not a classic superhero movie. Not in the way Wonder Woman (2017), Captain Marvel (2019), or Black Widow (2021) were. And, for the record, I love all three movies. They are movies I can watch over and over again, because they focus both on origin stories and stay true to the superhero format.

With Supergirl, we do get an origin story, but we also get a lot of space creatures and wild action-adventure on various planets. This does not make for a particularly good superhero movie, but it does make for solid entertainment still.

And people would do well to remember this when they feel like going after Milly Alcock, who I personally love as Supergirl. Mind you, I say this as someone who was actually pretty excited about Sasha Calle as Kara Zor-El in The Flash. That would have been a very different movie, and not at all a classic Supergirl movie.

And I am very pleased that this is instead a return to the classic and original take on the character. Of course, we do also meet her in a younger version than in most other live-action adaptations. Including the 1984 movie starring Helen Slater and the TV series starring Melissa Benoist.

So, the casting is great, Milly Alcock is great, but the movie overall feels more like a spin-off to Guardians of the Galaxy. Sometimes it even feels like a Star Wars movie.

Space adventure versus Superhero movie

As much as I do love a good adventure and have thoroughly enjoyed Guardians of the Galaxy (not least thanks to Zoe Saldaña and Karen Gillan) and Star Wars (thanks to Daisy Ridley and Carrie Fisher), I was not expecting to see Kara Zor-El spend quite so much time in space.

I mean, sure, I get it; She is an alien from the planet Krypton, which no longer exists. And, unlike her cousin, Superman, she wasn’t sent to Earth as a baby. Instead, her parents managed to take her with them when they survived the initial downfall of their home planet.

As a result, Kara grows up on this tiny part of Krypton, which won’t make it either. As a result, she is a teenager when she is sent to Earth and her cousin, Clark Kent. Of course, Clark welcomes her with open arms and a heart full of love. That’s who he is. Always being good and caring.

Kara Zor-El is more of a cynic. As she states in this movie, Clark sees the best in people, while she sees them (or “us”, I suppose) for what we really are; Some are good, some are bad, and most are somewhere in the middle, just trying to get by.

Don’t blame Milly Alcock for the DC of James Gunn

I loved the parts when we got to see Kara’s childhood and her arrival on Earth. Also, anytime she interacted with cousin Superman. Actually, I always enjoyed scenes with Milly Alcock as Supergirl, just like I loved seeing David Corenswet as Superman. My issues with both movies have more to do with all the space noise around them.

Obviously, this has nothing to do with Milly Alcock and everything to do with the current DC Comics cinematic universe, which people would do well to remember.

The difference will undoubtedly be that while no one (or very few) went after David Corenswet as Clark Kent, people are already lining up to hate on Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El. And they shouldn’t. They really shouldn’t, because she is brilliant as Supergirl.

Watch Supergirl in the theater

Craig Gillespie is the director of Supergirl, and he is not the obvious choice. He has, however, directed some amazing movies in the past. Often very character-driven with very quirky characters. Perhaps this is most obvious in I, Tonya (2017).

A movie I loved, and which resulted in three women getting Oscar nominations and one winning. Allison Janney won the Oscar while Margot Robbie was nominated, as was editor Tatiana S. Riegel.

Now, I don’t expect anyone to get nominated for Supergirl, which isn’t really something we see too often with classic superhero movies anyway. The screenplay for this 2026 female superhero movie was also written by a woman. Actor-turned-screenwriter Ana Nogueira wrote the screenplay.

As of right now, Ana Nogueira is also slated as the writer of the upcoming Wonder Woman movie. James Gunn canceled the plans for a third movie by Patty Jenkins, so this will be a new take on that iconic superhero character. Hopefully, one that is much more down-to-earth.

I do not (repeat: do not!) want to see Wonder Woman in space!

As much as I enjoyed the parts of Supergirl that focused on the title character, I wasn’t too thrilled with all the space adventures. Those felt more like a James Gunn vibe than wanting to focus on the title character. It’s fine for entertainment, but it didn’t make the title character stand out as much as she could (and should) have.

Womentainment recommendation: Run to the theater and support Supergirl

Now, I’m not just saying you should watch Supergirl in the theater to support this movie. I do honestly feel this is a very entertaining and fun movie. However, I also have to recognize that this movie will not be judged as just “any other” superhero movie would be.

This movie is, objectively speaking, so much better than many other superhero movies featuring a male superhero, but you know this will be judged differently.

Could it have been better? Yes, absolutely. However, Milly Alcock is amazing in the title role, and both she and the character deserve our support. As do all the other women and girls, who need a good (but not naive) character to look up to.

So, do check it out in theaters now. Not least to enjoy what Milly Alcock brings to the table as a brilliant Supergirl.

Supergirl is out in theaters worldwide the week of June 26, 2026.

Director: Craig Gillespie
Writers: Ana Nogueira, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
Cast: Milly Alcock, Jason Momoa, Matthias Schoenaerts, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, Alice Hewkin, Wil Coban, Clara Rosager, David Corenswet

Official plot:

When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.

LADIES FIRST on Netflix is a 2026 remake of a 2018 French movie. The stories do differ quite a bit, but the overall theme remains, so we follow a man who wakes up in a matriarchal society after hitting his head. Starring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike. Read our full Ladies First movie review here and find it on Netflix now!

LADIES FIRST is a 2026 Netflix movie that is actually based on another Netflix movie from 2018. The original movie was from France, and this new story plays out in the UK instead. That’s not all that has been changed, and overall, it is not for the better.

However, this 2026 version stars Rosamund Pike, so it already has plenty going for it. It’s the story of a man enjoying life in our patriarchal society, who hits his head and wakes up in a matricarchal society. The runtime is 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is in its favor. Especially as the third act goes down a path I did not like.

Continue reading our Ladies First movie review below. Find it on Netflix now.

Who run the world? Girls!

With Ladies First, we’re getting a plot that may be familiar, but I do still feel this brings something new to the table. We meet Damien Sachs (Sacha Baron Cohen), a typical and all-too-familiar type of male chauvinist. After a confrontation with a brilliant employee, Alex Fox (Rosamund Pike), he runs into a lamp post.

After hitting his head, he wakes up in a world that may look the same, but is completely different. He has been transported to a matriarchal society. Here, he will meet all the same people as in his “normal” world, but the roles have been switched.

Girls and women are now running the world, while boys and men are expected to do everything women do in our world. In this new world, Alex Fox is a formidable female version of himself. And yes, this also means the women are acting in exactly all the bad and wrong ways that he did.

In other words, it isn’t about women running the world as women would, but rather: What would the world look like if women ran the world but behaved exactly like men are now in the real world?!

That’s how you get the message across. As ludicrous as it seems, at first, it isn’t exaggerated, but rather it’s copied.

Enjoy it for Rosamund Pike (and Fiona Shaw)

As already mentioned, Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, I Care A Lot) stars in Ladies First as the main female character, Alex Fox. The main supporting character is portrayed by Fiona Shaw (Echo Valley, Killing Eve, Hot Milk), so with these two women front and center, I could not help but watch it!

Also, I should mention that the awesome Emily Mortimer (Check her out in Relic) and the brilliant Kathryn Hunter (Black Doves, Hedda) both play a key role as well.

However, the character we primarily follow is the male character, Damien Sachs, portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen. I don’t feel he was necessarily the best choice. As much as I have enjoyed him in other productions, his performance in Ladies First didn’t do much for me.

In fact, this was probably why it completely lost me towards the end.

I think it’s important to note that I really enjoyed several of the other male characters and the actors who portrayed them. Especially Charles Dance (Game of Thrones, The Imitation Game) and Kadiff Kirwan (Slow Horses, I May Destroy You), as well as Richard E. Grant (Can You Ever Forgive Me?, Saltburn) as “Pigeon Man”.

Watch Ladies First on Netflix now

Director of this 2026 Netflix movie is Thea Sharrock. She previously directed the amazing movie Wicked Little Letters (2023) starring Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley. In other words, she is used to directing some of the most amazing actors around!

Writers of the screenplay are Natalie Krinsky (The Broken Hearts Gallery), Cinco Paul (The Secret Life of Pets), and Katie Silberman (Booksmart, Don’t Worry Darling). The movie itself is based on the 2018 Netflix movie Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile (English title: I Am Not An Easy Man), written and directed by Eléonore Pourriat.

A lot of this movie was fun to watch for me. However, that ending was not something I saw coming, nor did I enjoy it. However, I can accept that it was (in a roundabout way) a nod to the original. The issue is simply that the original didn’t use the same story and plot to get to this point.

Womentainment recommendation: Watch Ladies First to feel understood

While it may be very on-the-nose in many aspects, Ladies First simply shows the world where women act exactly like men, and men behave as women are expected to. Sure, it seems exaggerated and extreme at times, but it is a mirror image of our society in a gender-swapped edition.

Not unlike The Handmaid’s Tale, where author Margaret Atwood based every wild and extreme element on something that was already happening (or had previously happened). There is nothing in Ladies First that won’t be familiar to at least some viewers.

Bottom line: Watch it to support the message, the female director and writers, as well as a largely wonderful cast.

Ladies First premiered on Netflix on May 22, 2026.

Director: Thea Sharrock
Writer: Natalie Krinsky, Cinco Paul, and Katie Silberman (based on the Netflix film “Je Ne Suis Pas Un Homme Facile” by Eléonore Pourriat)
Cast: Sacha Baron Cohen, Rosamund Pike, Emily Mortimer, Weruche Opia, Charles Dance, Fiona Shaw, Richard E. Grant, Kathryn Hunter, Kadiff Kirwan 

Official plot:

A male chauvinist is transported to a matriarchal society, facing challenges from a formidable female version of himself.

OH. WHAT. FUN. on Prime Video is a new Christmas Movie with the story of the mom at its center. The movie stars Michelle Pfeiffer, and I am always happy to see her on my screen. Also, we get Chloë Grace Moretz as the love-addicted lesbian daughter. It’s a fun, relevant, and poignant movie for the Holidays that some will obviously relate to more than others. Read our full Oh. What. Fun. movie review here!

OH. WHAT. FUN. is a new Prime Video Christmas Movie, and yes, it is worth watching. Maybe with your mom, if she’s the one who is doing all the work during the Holidays. Both to give her a break, and maybe to start talking about how everyone else can help more.

I am a sucker for Christmas movies (and not just those with a queer plot, though I will definitely watch them), so I can recognize the opening scene of Oh. What. Fun. calling out how they’re usually about the dad in the family. Not the mom. Why? Because she’s busy actually making Christmas happen for everyone.

Continue reading our review of the new Oh. What. Fun. Christmas movie below. Find it on Prime Video now.

Remember to thank those doing the work

It’s Christmas once again, and Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) is what makes this a magical season for her family. She rarely sits down for more than a few seconds (or minutes, if she’s really trying to relax) at a time. She is the proverbial glue that holds her family together every holiday season. Well, all year, I suspect.

Whether focusing on sweet treats or the perfect Christmas dinner, and perfectly wrapped gifts, she does it happily to make this yet another magical season. However, she has her limits, so when everyone leaves without her for a special outing – one she, of course, planned for her family – she takes off. Runs away from home, essentially.

She’s had more than enough of feeling under-appreciated, so she goes on an impromptu adventure of her own. A classic Christmas movie element, which usually involves a dad who didn’t manage to buy the one present he was supposed to. And which his wife no doubt reminded him of lots of times.

Of course, in those movies, he returns home just in time to enjoy a magical Christmas that Mom yet again created all on her own. Well, not in Oh. What. Fun. because mom left, and now the family has to handle Christmas on their own.

For the record, the Mom isn’t perfect in Oh. What. Fun. For starters, she isn’t good at listening to the needs of others either. We hear her thoughts as Michelle Pfeiffer essentially narrates. Even right over her own oldest daughter, trying to talk to her. An important detail to show it isn’t quite as simple or one-sided as you’d think.

A wonderful all-star cast

What Oh. What. Fun. really excels at is having pulled together a brilliant cast. We have Michelle Pfeiffer in the lead as Mom, Claire, and her husband is portrayed by Denis Leary. He is the typical husband, who didn’t quite get that one present he was responsible for, ready.

As their kids, we have the oldest daughter, a successful author, portrayed by Felicity Jones (The Theory of Everything). As the lovable but also quite selfish and love-addicted lesbian daughter, who brings home a new girlfriend every Holiday Season, we have Chloë Grace Moretz (The Miseducation of Cameron Post).

Finally, as their son, who is treated like a “baby boy” by his Mom and enjoys it, we get Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers). This is a good example of how Mom isn’t perfect in her actions either.

In key supporting roles, we get to enjoy moments with Jason Schwartzman (Queer), Danielle Brooks (The Color Purple), Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs), Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms), and Maude Apatow with Eva Longoria and Joan Chen as two glorious power women.

Watch Oh. What. Fun. on Prime Video now

Admittedly, I do think Oh. What. Fun. would have had a few different elements if the director had been a woman.  The director of Oh. What. Fun is Michael Showalter (Hello, My Name Is Doris), and the story comes from Chandler Baker, who is a woman and plays one of the “Holiday Moms”. They wrote the script for the movie together, based on her story idea.

I never mind watching a female-led movie made by men, because I know they can get it right. However, it usually helps if a woman is at least in the writing room, so I’m happy that was the case for this one.

Still, you do have to accept that a Christmas movie (of any kind) is its own beast. As such, you must be ready for this kind of “Christmas movie” premise, or you’ll be annoyed and/or disappointed. And, as a Christmas movie, I do think Oh. What. Fun. works.

It’s a comedy (or a dramedy, if you will), and with a holiday plot, it has a fairly formulaic approach to storytelling. And yet, I did love the final few twists. They worked for me and made it an overall better viewing experience. So did the cast, which was what pulled me in to begin with.

OH. WHAT. FUN. is out globally on Prime Video on December 3, 2025.

Director: Michael Showalter
Story: Chandler Baker
Script: Chandler Baker & Michael Showalter
Cast: Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Dominic Sessa, Danielle Brooks, Devery Jacobs, Havana Rose Liu, Maude Apatow, with Jason Schwartzman, with Eva Longoria and Joan Chen

Official plot:

Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the glue that holds her chaotic, lovable family together every holiday season. From perfectly frosted cookies to meticulously wrapped gifts, no one decks the halls quite like Claire. But this year, after planning a special outing for her family, they make a crucial mistake and leave her home alone. Fed up and feeling under appreciated, she sets off on an impromptu adventure of her own. As her family scrambles to find her, Claire discovers the unexpected magic of a Christmas gone off-script.

Photos © Amazon Content Services LLC

THE CHRISTMAS WRITER is a new lesbian Christmas movie for 2025 from Tello. It’s just as cute and formulaic as it should be for this particular niche. Also, the chemistry between the two female leads is spot-on. Until it isn’t. Read our full The Christmas Writer movie review here!

THE CHRISTMAS WRITER on Tello is a 2025 lesbian Christmas movie, and you’ll definitely want to watch this one. For the longest time, I was so happy with this. Right up until the moment when the illusion was broken.

In this deliciously queer Christmas movie, the characters are well-written, the story is cute and works perfectly for this Holiday Rom-Com niche, and the drama is kept at a minimum.

WANT MORE QUEER HOLIDAY MOVIES?

Check out our list of the very best lesbian Christmas movies here >

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the chemistry between the two female leads worked from the start. However, not all the way through – and this is why the rating isn’t higher.

Continue reading our review of The Christmas Writer movie below.

Classic Christmas movie… with lesbians

The premise of The Christmas Writer from Tello is a classic Christmas movie, but with lesbians, which is exactly what I want.

We meet the bestselling lesbian Christmas author, Noel, who finds herself paralyzed by writer’s block. Not only did she just end a relationship with her girlfriend, but she also lost her mother (her holiday muse) recently.

She’s under immense pressure from her agent, who is looking to get a new Christmas book from her bestselling author, but the holiday festivities are now just a sad reminder for Noel.

As a result, and to try and get back to that “Christmas spirit”, Noel returns to her quaint hometown. It’s the town called Pinewood, and yes, it is very much like Stars Hollow of The Gilmore Girls. And I love it.

Noel stays with her grandmother in Pinewood in search of new inspiration when she crosses paths with Callie.

Callie is, of course, a charming, single (and gay) mom who has taken over the local bookstore from her uncle. Soon, sparks fly between Noel and Callie, but is Noel ready to give up big city life for a small-town love?!

See, I told you this was a classic Christmas movie… with lesbians, and a tongue-in-cheek approach to all the tropes of this niche.

Why can’t you kiss each other right?!

Don’t worry, The Christmas Writer isn’t one of those lesbian movies where the two romantic leads never kiss. They do kiss in this queer holiday rom-com.

The problem isn’t whether they kiss or not, but whether I believe that they enjoy kissing each other. And I do not.

Not. At. All.

In fact, the chemistry between Shelby Allison Brown and Callie Bussell as Noel and Callie was so good that I was all on board with The Christmas Writer.

Right up until the moment they first kissed. I watched the movie with my wife, and we turned to each other when they first kissed on-screen and went “Yikes!”.

Actually, I don’t think we said anything at first; We just both made the face that conveys “yikes!”.

Neither one of us was buying that these two wanted to kiss each other. Whether these two are in committed relationships off-screen, and held back, or having a sibling-like relationship in real life, you have to be able to “sell it” on screen.

I mean, Kate Mara and Elliot Page had been friends forever when they made My Days of Mercy. Yet I completely believed that their characters were very much into each other.

With The Christmas Writer, I stopped believing in their romance the second it was supposed to be manifested with a kiss. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced this so severely before, but here we are.

Watch The Christmas Writer on Tello

The director of The Christmas Writer is Christin Baker, who also wrote the screenplay with Katie I. Williams. Christin Baker is the Queen of Tello, and I applaud and adore what she’s doing for the LGBTQ+ community. We recently reviewed the movie Double Booking as well, which you can check out for a darker queer story.

Don’t worry, these Tello movies do not suffer from the “bury your gays” syndrome. Whether romance, horror, comedy, or anything in between, these Tello movies are made by us, for us. And I always want to encourage everyone to support that.

Also, as already mentioned, I was completely on board with the story of The Christmas Writer. This is a classic Christmas movie romance, and I want more of those. In fact, I found myself wanting to read one of those bestsellers from the “Lesbian Christmas Writer”.

Do reach out via our contact page here if you know of any I should check out.

Director: Christin Baker
Writers: Christin Baker, Katie I. Williams
Stars: Shelby Allison Brown, Callie Bussell, June Tuss, Karen M. Chan, Stacey Lee Powell, Kendahl Landreth, Jordan Myrick, Caitlin McWethy

Official plot:

A bestselling lesbian Christmas author, Noel finds herself paralyzed by grief and writer’s block after losing her mother (her holiday muse) and enduring a sudden breakup. Under pressure from her agent and with holiday festivities just a sad reminder, Noel retreats to her quaint hometown of Pinewood in search of new inspiration. When she crosses paths with Callie—a charming, single mom who now owns the local bookstore—Noel stubbornly resists the attraction, despite the best efforts of her meddling friends and grandmother. However, sparks continue to fly! Surprised to find her inspiration in the form of unexpected love, Noel must now decide between holding onto her glam, big city life or embracing a love story that even she couldn’t have written.

HONEY DON’T! is now on Peacock and Digital. The second movie in Ethan Coen’s queer female-led trilogy is a lot of fun. Once again, Margaret Qualley stars in the dark comedy-thriller. This time around, however, her romantic interest is portrayed by Aubrey Plaza. Read our full Honey Don’t! movie review here!

HONEY DON’T! is a dark comedy with a whodunnit mystery and a crime-thriller vibe. It’s the second movie in Ethan Coen’s genre-bending trilogy starring Margaret Qualley. The common denominator is that she stars and she likes girls. Or, you know, her character does.

The first one was Drive-Away Dolls (2024), which was perhaps even crazier than this second movie. You can catch Honey Don’t! on Peacock or rent it on your preferred digital platform for that sort of thing.

Continue reading our Honey Don’t! movie review below.

Meet Honey, she’s a detective

I really loved the title character of Honey Don’t! And yes, this may have something to do with a not-so-latent desire to be a Private Detective myself. Of course, I would never want to actually do the job. If that were the case, I would be doing it instead of writing reviews.

In any case, I loved how one of the first scenes shows Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley) trying to talk someone out of buying her services. A man (played by Billy Eichner AKA “Let’s go, Lesbians“) wants to have his boyfriend tailed to find out if he’s cheating.

Honey tells him he already knows the answer, if he wants to hire her, and to save his money. However, he wants proof, so who is she to refuse a paycheck? This is just a quick little scene, but I loved the energy of it and the integrity it showed Honey having.

Heartbreaker, but honest about it

Of course, her relationships with women are something else entirely. In fact, they’re not relationships but hook-ups. Once is enough, two times is getting serious, and no one has made it to three… until Aubrey Plaza‘s MG Falcone shows up.

To be fair, she doesn’t pretend that any of the hook-ups with be anything more. Think Shane from The L Word. And yes, I do realize that reference is showing my age, but it’s not like we have that many queer shows even remotely close to that iconic series.

Anyway, the whole plot of Honey Don’t! is about Honey trying to figure out how a series of strange deaths could be tied to a mysterious church. A church run by the Reverend Drew Dewlin (Chris Evans). Full disclosure, I absolutely adore Chris Evans. And still, I really love seeing him play these douche bags. That is talent, as the guy is such a sweetheart.

Another thing I enjoyed was her partnership with the police detective, Marty (Charlie Day), who keeps asking Honey out. She is always completely honest with him that she likes girls, but he just cannot recognize that this is true. I know that might sound annoying as hell, but it’s a strangely charming back and forth they have.

Not romantic in the least (otherwise I’d loathe it), but strangely comforting.

Watch Honey Don’t! on Peacock or Netflix

As already mentioned, Ethan Coen is the director of Honey Don’t. He also wrote the screenplay alongside Tricia Cooke, just as it was the case with Drive-Away Dolls. Both movies are also edited by Tricia Cooke, so in many ways this is as much her project as it is Ethan Coen’s.

However, this is usually the case as the two are married and have been since 1993. Obviously, theirs is a beautiful partnership that results in delicious (right now very sapphic) entertainment.

Honey Don’t! is available to stream on Peacock beginning October 3, 2025. On February 3, 2026, it will also be streaming on Netflix in the US.

Womentainment recommendation: Definitely check out Honey Don’t!

I enjoyed Drive-Away Dolls but wasn’t crazy about all the choices in terms of vibe and style. In that sense, Honey Don’t! worked much better for me. Also, Aubrey Plaza (Happiest Season) is just brilliant casting in any queer role.

Director: Ethan Coen
Writers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
Stars: Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Evans, Jacnier, Don Swayze, Billy Eichner

Official plot:

Private investigator Honey O’Donahue probes a series of strange deaths that are tied to a mysterious church in Bakersfield, California.

THE KARAMAZOVS is a new movie based on one of the great classics, but with gender swaps and a queer twist. So, maybe “inspired by” is better, but the actual plot does follow the novel. Read our full The Karamazovs movie review here!

THE KARAMAZOVS is a movie with the iconic plot of Dostoevsky’s “The Brothers Karamazov”. However, quite a lot has been altered in terms of the key characters. Mostly, we have one brother and two sisters instead of three brothers. Also, the fourth key character has been gender-swapped.

It all works surprisingly well, but I must admit, I feel you should probably know the original story from the novel to get everything out of this movie. Otherwise, I fear that too much won’t be fully understood. The runtime is just under an hour and a half, and the style is very much like the play, so it’s quite theatrical, which isn’t for everyone. Still, it does work.

Continue reading our The Karamazovs movie review below. Find it on VOD from June 3, 2025.

From Russia to the USA

While the gender-swap and queer elements will undoubtedly get the most attention (because of, let’s be real, mysogyni and homophobia), the location of the story has also been changed. Of course, nobody tends to have a problem with the language being changed to English and a more familiar time and setting.

The plot of The Karamazovs follows the core concept of the iconic novel on which it’s based. As far as adaptations go, this one hits a lot of really good notes. Sure, the movie is set in present-day USA, while the book was from Russia and released in the 1880s.

And yet, it just goes to show that the character gallery (regardless of gender) and core story are timeless.

As someone who is gay and female, I loved seeing something other than just straight white men in a story that is very universal. Also, it does make sense in this setting. All three brothers from the book could’ve been sisters, but the hybrid solution (which also features a queer element) makes perfect sense here.

From a book to a play to a movie

The Karamazovs is a feature film based on an original stage production, which in turn is based on one of the most famous books in the world. As this feature film is based on the play, it makes perfect sense that it would also feature the cast of the original play.

We witness one life-altering week, which is narrated by Liz (Rami Margron), who cares for the elderly and sick Patriarch Fyodor (Ezriel Kornel). During this week, we’re invited to experience the three children of this spiteful patriarch returning home.

The siblings are estranged from both their father and one another. Especially the latter is a shame, as they clearly need one another. Well, some more than others.

We have Alyosha, or just Aly (Rachael Richman), who has sought refuge in religion; Viv (MK Tuomanen) is a queer artist and struggling filmmakers, while the oldest, Dmitri (Ross Cowan), is constantly in need of money. He is quite the hustler, to be honest. Whatever each is chasing to distract themself (religion, art, or fortune), all are in a personal crisis.

And then their father, Fyodor, is murdered.

Watch The Karamazovs on VOD

Anna Brenner is the writer and director, getting her feature film debut with a screen adaptation of her own play. It seems only fair that this queer adaptation is now able to reach a large audience. Especially given that the original play opened off Broadway in New York City in March 2020.

Yes, March 2020… in New York. Obviously, the timing could not have been worse as it was forced to close after less than one week as a result of the COVID shutdown. The location of the movie was moved to Martha’s Vineyard, which seems perfect for the story, and with cold and grey weather, the backdrop was practically ideal.

I can’t say anything bad about the style of this movie. And yet, I do feel you need to be ready for a movie that feels like a theatrical movie. It’s not a bad thing, but I recognize it isn’t for everyone. Cinematographer Tatyana Stolpovskaya has made all the right choices in getting the most out of the location. And editor Yana Biryukova keeps the pace as sharp as possible.

The Karamazovs has had a strong Film Festival run. This includes winning an honorable mention for Audience Award/Best Feature Film at the 2024 NYC Indie Theatre Film Festival. This was also where it enjoyed its world premiere. Now, you can watch it on VOD.

Womentainment recommendation: Don’t miss out on this if you’re familiar with the novel

I always applaud a fresh approach to stories that usually feature white male characters. Having the characters gender-swap, be queer, or of a different ethnicity is always a welcomed approach in my book. So to speak.

And yet, I do feel that this movie works at its best for anyone who is already familiar with the core plot. In other words, anyone who has read “The Brothers Karamazov” and wants a fresh take on the plot should definitely check out this movie.

The Karamazovs is out on VOD from June 3, 2025.

Director: Anna Brenner
Writers: Anna Brenner, Rafael Jordan
Cast: Rachael Richman, MK Tuomanen, Ross Cowan, Rami Margron, Ezriel Kornel

Official plot:

Haunted by the long-buried pain of hazy memories, the estranged Karamazov siblings must finally face the truth about their family’s dark past … and each other.

CONCERTO FOR ABIGAIL is a new lesbian love story about a pianist losing her hearing. It’s also a movie about hope, life, and finding love when you least expect it. Read our full Concerto for Abigail movie review here!

CONCERTO FOR ABIGAIL features LGBTQ characters and a lesbian love story. A very sweet, realistic, and honest love story so I’d expect people can relate to it. I certainly could.

Also, the music in this movie is beautiful but never takes over. With a pianist for a leading lady, that could be the case, but it’s very balanced. If you’re looking for a sweet love story and a movie about challenges and hope, then this is definitely for you.

Continue reading our Concerto for Abigail movie review below. Find it on VOD on your platform of choice – including Tello and (very soon) also Tubi.

Love, hope, and beautiful music

In Concerto for Abigail, we meet a world-renowned pianist Samantha Porter (Monica Young) just as she learns that she’s losing her hearing. As an active artist who is still giving concerts and writing new music, the very idea of going deaf is devasting to her.

However, she is surrounded by many good and kind people who help her. Well, when she lets them. She does keep it a secret for quite some time as she comes to terms with her new future life.

What is never a secret, is the fact that she’s gay. We know this about both the main characters from the beginning. Samantha first meets Abigail (Andrea Bogart) as she’s playing a concert with a trio after having received the news of her progressive hearing loss. And yes, this is the Abigail from the Concerto for Abigail title.

The sweetest love story

This may be a spoiler, but it’s the kind I know many will want to know about up-front. In this movie, their sexuality is a non-issue. Love is love and the two leading ladies are quick to just ask one another if they are in fact gay. Simple as that.

Of course, it takes place in California in the present, which obviously helps. And the two main characters are not teenagers, but adult women, who know who they are and what they want. Doesn’t that just sound beautiful?!

Also, enjoy the music, character portrayals, and the gorgeous wardrobe. Seriously, my wife was ready to buy just about everything Samantha Porter was wearing. And I would support her in this endeavor!

Watch Concerto for Abigail now!

Jan Miller Corran is the writer and director of Concerto for Abigail and I always feel safe (and excited) about any new movie from her. She’s also a producer on the film, and – as with any of her productions – there is so much heart, hope, happiness, and passion in this story.

MORE FROM JAN MILLER CORRAN

Be sure to check out the beautiful and passionate Snapshots as well >

Concerto for Abigail has been playing at film festivals for quite some time. And it has also (deservedly!) won a lot of awards. This is the kind of movie that focuses on its core character, who is dealing with an abrupt change in her life, but also finds love at the same time. A true silver lining.

Be sure to check it out and know that it’s all about love and hope – while also being very realistic in all aspects of its storytelling.

Concerto for Abigail was released on VOD on August 2, 2024. Find it on Tello and Tubi now or soon as well.

Director: Jan Miller Corran
Writer: Jan Miller Corran
Stars: Monica Young, Andrea Bogart, Jetta Martin, Rebecca Grayce, Tony Jonick, Christine Grantz Sheppard, Saskia Baur, John Richard Hale

Official plot:

A world-renowned pianist faces the devastating news that she has progressive hearing loss which will ultimately lead to deafness. This news comes at the same time a new love walks into her life. Will she let her fear of not being able to hear consume her and keep her from exploring this new love? Or will she allow Abigail in so they can deal with the hearing loss together?

DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS is out on Peacock and while this Queer Noir-Comedy from Ethan Coen is a wild ride, it’s also good fun. By no means did I find this movie to be a masterpiece, but I would still recommend that you check it out. Read our full Drive-Away Dolls movie review here!

DRIVE-AWAY DOLLS is out on Peacock, so if you haven’t watched it yet, now is your chance. I wasn’t sure what to expect other than a very gay storyline (which is great), an extremely over-the-top plot (which can be good), and a wacky comedy (which is hit or miss as comedy is).

What worked for me was the friendship between the characters portrayed by Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan with Beanie Feldstein as the best supporting character. Unfortunately, many elements outside of their scenes together did not work for me.

With a runtime of under an hour and a half, you’ll still want to watch it.

Continue reading our Drive-Away Dolls movie review below. Find it on Peacock now!

Steamy and funny – for the most part

In this Noir-Comedy, we follow Jamie (Margaret Qualley) and Marian (Geraldine Viswanathan) as the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee. It all begins as the search for a fresh start, but it all goes sideways as soon as they drive off.

We’re in the late 1990s and the two young women head to Tallahassee in a drive-away car. Essentially, it’s a smart way to get a car when you need to drive somewhere. And Marian is going to see some family in Florida. And yes, there is obviously a running joke about why anyone wants to go to Floria. And also why Tallahassee is so much better than Miami.

In any case, the car is loaded with something that was supposed to be picked up by someone else also going to Tallahassee. The car was never supposed to be in the possession of two queer girls heading South. So to speak.

Also, Jamie and Margaret could not be more different. Jamie is a very uninhibited free spirit, who just broke up with yet another girlfriend (Beanie Feldstein who plays a cop). Marian is extremely demure, in the middle of a years-long dry spell, and needs to loosen up.

For quite a while, Jamie and Marian have no idea that they have something in the car that is out of the ordinary, but once they do, their next step isn’t the smartest. Or maybe it’s the best thing they could do?!

Queer Noir-Comedy… it’s a thing!

Admittedly, I had not thought of “Queer Noir-Comedy” as a genre, but after watching Drive-Away Dolls, I absolutely recognize that it is. Just like the 1996 movie Bound by the always-magnificent Wachowskis is a Queer Film Noir. Sure, before anyone would dare label it as “queer”-anything, but The Wachowski film wasn’t shy about what it was.

In any case, the comedy element does set Drive-Away Dolls very much apart from Bound. The more erotic scenes, however, go quite a bit more crazy. However, as is the case with comedy, the extreme and wild take precedence over anything emotional.

For the most part, anyway.

Maybe that’s why I wasn’t as crazy about this movie as I was hoping. Whenever the story left all the LGBTQ+ characters out, I found myself almost (almost!) getting bored. With a supporting cast featuring Colman Domingo as “The Chief” and Pedro Pascal as “Penis Collector” – and Matt Damon in what is almost a cameo – it shouldn’t be possible.

Well, not as someone who loves the Out actor Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead, Candyman, Euphoria). And also the wonderful Pedro Pascal (Game of Thrones, The Last of Us, The Mandalorian), who is one of us in whatever way we can have him. Certainly always an ally!

Watch Drive-Away Dolls on Peacock now!

Drive-Away Dolls was directed by Ethan Coen who also wrote the screenplay with Tricia Cooke. Usually, Ethan Coen works with his brother Joel in the filmmaker duo “The Coen Brothers”, but this is a solo project. However, he is still working with family as co-writer Tricia Cooke is his wife of 30 years.

Regardless of the elements I wasn’t crazy about, Drive-Away Dolls also features some brilliant one-liners and inspired dialogue. The line “I’m not here to peddle my wares!” is an instant favorite of mine. Rarely have I heard such an old-school phrase spoken in the middle of a lesbian bar. In fact, never!

Drive‑Away Dolls stars Margaret Qualley (Novitiate, IO, Poor Things) and Geraldine Viswanathan (Cat Person, Blockers) in the title roles and they are each perfect as their respective character. So is Beanie Feldstein (Booksmart), and really, what more do you need?!

Well, nothing really, but we still get it and that’s my main issue with the movie. However, getting too much is always better than not getting anything. In this case, at least, so do check it out when you get the chance and feel a little weird. You need to give in to the wacky premise to enjoy it!

Drive-Away Dolls is out in theaters and has been available on Peacock from April 12, 2024.

Director: Ethan Coen
Writers: Ethan Coen, Tricia Cooke
Stars: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Bill Camp, Matt Damon

Official plot:

Jamie and Marian are heading on a road trip to Tallahassee to get away from everything. Jamie is fresh from another break-up and Marian is desperate to let loose and live a little. On the road, the pair encounter a gang of incompetent criminals and the impromptu meeting leads to truly unexpected events.

BEAUTIFUL REBEL on Netflix is a biography drama from Italy (org. title: Sei nell’anima). This biopic is all about Gianna Nannini. An Italian bisexual female rockstar who rose to fame in Europe in the 1980s. Read our full Beautiful Rebel movie review here!

BEAUTIFUL REBEL is a new Netflix movie from Italy (org. title: Sei nell’anima). This true story is a music biopic about Gianna Nannini. Her first album came out in 1979 but she is still going strong. Letizia Toni portrays Gianna Nannini and she’s perfectly cast!

In this Netflix biography, we see her rise to fame, but we also experience the time when she almost gave up. The movie about her life focuses on the importance of music and relationships. Both the ones that saved her and those who almost broke her. A fascinating life story that’s far from over.

Continue reading our Beautiful Rebel movie review below. Find it on Netflix from May 2, 2024.

Being Gianna Nannini

This biopic focuses on the beginning of her career. Especially the first five years or so. However, we do begin in her childhood, so you get an idea of where she came from and how she was different from what her family (her father in particular) wanted and expected of her.

Her dad is portrayed by Maurizio Lombardi, and you’ll surely recognize him from the new Netflix Ripley mini-series if you’ve watched that. He portrays the role of Gianna’s stern (yet also caring) father wonderfully here.

After her first few albums, there still isn’t a real breakthrough and something needs to change. Or be tweaked somehow so she can get a hit! Leading up to this, there’s a turning point that cuts Gianna’s life into two parts. It leads to the year 1983, which is considered her true birth as an artist!

It is by no means an easy birth, and as we journey into the life and creative mind of this woman, we’re also faced with her demons. As a singer-songwriter, she’s in constant search of inspiration and transformation which in turn makes her music a manifesto of freedom.

Letizia Toni becomes Gianna Nannini

As much as I’ve enjoyed the music of Gianna Nannini, I’m even more fond of the person Letizia Toni portrays her as in Beautiful Rebel. It’s a strong portrayal that requires her to be extremely free and vulnerable as an actor. And that’s what Letizia Toni gives to this project: Her entire being!

As the constant partner (though on-off for a long time), we see Selene Caramazza as Carla. She’s called “Eleven” in the movie, but her name is Carla. Fortunately, Letizia Toni and Selene Caramazza have an extremely powerful chemistry, which makes a huge part of Beautiful Rebel work as well as it does.

For the record, Gianna Nannini has labeled herself as bisexual for as long as I can remember – and as a child of the 1980s, growing up in Europe, I remember her quite well. In fact, I can’t remember ever having watched her in a music video and not getting the feeling that I was somehow like her. Or she was like me. Well, the gay part, anyway.

Or rather, when she was about to give in to drugs, insecurities, and some serious mental health issues. We’re talking A Beautiful Mind levels of issues which is not a good combination with drugs. However, she also had some good people around her, who knew that music could be her saviour. Listening to her lyrics, it’s difficult to disagree.

Meet one of Italy’s greatest rock stars

I know I described Gianna Nannini as a “female rockstar” earlier, but that was merely to make sure you knew that Gianna is a woman. In case you’ve never heard of her before. And if you’re not European – especially German or Italian – then I can’t blame you.

However, you are now in luck as you can get to know her in Beautiful Rebel. And Gianna Nannini was definitely a rebel. Just pay attention to the lyrics of her songs, which are sung in Italian but also translated in the subtitles, and you’ll see just how rebellious she was. Talking about women’s health and mental health when most refused to!

These days, she lives in London with her partner, Carla, and her daughter. A daughter she had when she was 56 years old (the identity of the father has not been divulged). Apparently, she left Italy for England because a civil union was possible there and she wanted to make sure her daughter still had a legal parent if something happened.

This is not in the movie, but just a little extra information for you, dear reader.

Watch Beautiful Rebel on Netflix now!

The new Netflix movie Beautiful Rebel is based on the life of Gianna Nannini, but it’s also very much based on the book written by Gianna Nannini. In other words, she is completely behind this biopic and is also in it towards the end, when it almost goes from a biopic to a documentary.

Only towards the very end, and as I’m a sucker for seeing the real person whose life I just learned more about, I was very happy about this.

The director of Sei nell’anima (both the original Italian title and the name of a huge Gianna Nannini hit song) is Cinzia TH Torrini.

There’s something about the pacing in the final act that I wasn’t crazy about. The two first parts work better for me. Still, I very much enjoyed getting to know Gianna Nannini much better through this Netflix movie.

Beautiful Rebel is on Netflix worldwide from May 2, 2024.

Director: Cinzia TH Torrini
Cast: Letizia Toni, Selene Caramazza, Maurizio Lombardi, Stefano Rossi Giordani, Andrea Delogu

Official plot:

The origin story of one of Italy’s greatest rock stars, Gianna Nannini, who chased her dream despite obstacles from her family and the music industry.

A DEADLY INVITATION on Netflix is a murder mystery from Mexico (org. title: Invitación a un Asesinato). It’s a thriller-comedy hybrid and isn’t too violent. Plus, the story was surprisingly good. Read our A Deadly Invitation movie review here!

A DEADLY INVITATION is a new Netflix movie from Mexico (org. title: Invitación a un Asesinato). The story is a murder mystery not unlike Knives Out or even the Hercule Poirot movies coming out these years.

It’s a comedy, thriller, and drama hybrid in terms of genre, so it’s not a bloody or violent murder mystery. Instead, it’s more of a character-based story with heart and wit. Oh, and a lesbian true crime podcaster to solve the crime. Of course!

Continue reading our A Deadly Invitation movie review below. Find it on Netflix from October 6, 2023.

Let the game begin

When the eccentric millionaire Olivia (Maribel Verdú of Pan’s Labyrinth and The Flash) sends her half-sister Agatha, a very mysterious invitation, Agatha immediately decides to go. The two sisters haven’t been close in years, but it isn’t because there’s any love lost there. So, when Olivia reaches out, Agatha is quick to reach back.

Along with Agatha (Regina Blandón), Olivia has invited a group of old acquaintances. They’ve all received the same mysterious invitation for a weekend on her yacht. Once there, the full plan will be revealed. It turns out to be a game. A murder-mystery.

Before the game has begun, everyone is caught off-guard by an unexpected death. Now, Agatha – a successful true crime podcaster who solves cold cases – joins forces with a policeman looking to advance his career. Also, he’s a fan of Agatha’s podcast and believes she can help crack the case.

As in any good murder mystery, everyone is a suspect. From Carlos (the ex-husband) to Cary (a fading actor), Sonia (the former friend), Doña Cristina (the housekeeper), Figue (the doctor), and even Naram (the yoga instructor).

A surprisingly good story

Let’s be honest, these murder-mystery movies don’t always have the best stories. Either they’re way too easy to guess ahead of time or it’s just too weird and complex. With A Deadly Invitation, it actually works. Sure, it can almost be a spoof on the whole murder-mystery niche. But really, the same could be said for Knives Out.

The main protagonist of A Deadly Invitation is Agatha (yes, as in Christie). She’s a true crime podcaster who has fans everywhere. Even within the police, which helps her get close to the murder investigation once we get to that point.

Also, she makes the podcast with her partner, who is a woman and her partner in all aspects of life.

The fact that Agatha is a lesbian (or definitely part of the LGBTQ community) is a non-issue, which is always a welcome detail for me. When someone is in love with a person of the same gender, it doesn’t have to be a huge ordeal. Sometimes, it just is.

In A Deadly Invitation, Agatha’s partner is a woman and that’s that. The two also make a great team.

Watch A Deadly Invitation on Netflix now!

J.M Cravioto (Diablero) is the director of A Deadly Invitation on Netflix. The movie is based on the novel by Carmen Posadas, which has been adapted into a screenplay written by Javier Durán Pérez and Anton Goenechea.

If you’re a fan of Knives Out, then I think you’d enjoy this movie. For me, it was stronger than several of Kenneth Branagh’s recent “Hercule Poirot”-movies, but that may just be me. Those particular movies are of course also based on the books by Agatha Christie.

Surely, naming the main protagonist in this Netflix movie Agatha is no accident. Fortunately, she more than earns the name with how she works the true crime case at hand.

Womentainment recommendation: A lesbian saves the day. Need I say more?

Of course, you should check out A Deadly Invitation on Netflix. It’s an entertaining little story with a heavy subject covered along the way. In a very good way, I might add.

Also, the main protagonist solves cold cases in her true crime podcast with her girlfriend as a partner. And yes, Agatha also solves the murder mystery in this movie and saves the day.

A little tip: If you’re looking for a brutal revenge story with a female protagonist, you should check out Ballerina (2023) released on Netflix at the same time as this murder mystery.

A Deadly Invitation (org. title: Invitación a un Asesinato) is on Netflix from October 6, 2023.

Director: José Manuel Cravioto
Writers: Javier Durán Pérez, Anton Goenechea, Carmen Posadas
Cast: Regina Blandón, Maribel Verdú, Helena Rojo, Manolo Cardona, Stephanie Cayo, Pedro Damián, Aarón Díaz, Juan Pablo de Santiago, José María de Tavira, Mariana Cabrera, Julio Casado

Official plot:

A true crime enthusiast is ensnared in her high-society sister’s murder. With a villa full of posh suspects, it’s up to her to find the culprit.