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

AFTER THE HUNT on Prime Video is the latest movie from filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. As always, it’s extremely character-driven, and the fierce screenplay comes from Nora Garrett. Julia Roberts plays the all-important lead role. Read our full After the Hunt movie review here!

AFTER THE HUNT is now out on Prime Video, and fans of filmmaker Luca Guadagnino will definitely want to watch this. It’s not too often that we review movies directed by men, but I will gladly make an exception for him. Not least because he often makes movies with fleshed-out and complex characters – of any and all genders.

With this movie, the screenplay also comes from a female screenwriter, Nora Garrett, who also executive produces, and the key characters are women. Well, certainly the characters that keep the story moving forward (or even sideways) as the plot thickens and evolves.

The runtime is 2 hours and 18 minutes, which may seem very long, but (as always) it feels spot-on for this filmmaker. Continue reading our After the Hunt movie review below. Find it on Prime Video globally from November 20, 2025.

He Said, She Said

On the surface, After the Hunt is a very simple “He said, she said” situation about an accusation of a sexual assault. He is Hank (Andrew Garfield), a professor at Yale, and she is Maggie (Ayo Edibiri), a student at Yale.

Also, she is not just any student. She’s gay, black, and female. Three things that could work against her. However, her parents are extremely rich and powerful, and she’s very close to another professor, Alma (Julia Roberts), who is also best friends with the accused Hank. 

Also, there’s a question of whether Maggie possibly wants Alma or wants to be Alma?! Finally, Alma and Hank are both up for tenure, which they both crave.

It’s an extremely volatile situation for many reasons, and while Hank does not look good in this situation at all, everyone also questions whether Maggie could have an ulterior motive. The same goes for Alma, with tenure on the line, and she also has a very strange partnership with her husband, Frederik (Michael Stuhlbarg).

Alma is in constant physical pain, which she dulls with pills and alcohol, while her husband appears either caring or tormenting. There is no in between. Either he’s cooking and showing nothing but love, or he is playing music at extreme volumes as some sort of punishment.

Broken people break people

Everything in the After the Hunt story is lined up for everyone to look guilty, while also leaving room for any one of them to be innocent, but possibly want to exploit the situation. Then again, this also plays into the notion that women accuse men to achieve something. Not anything in particular, but something.

Despite the fact that women rarely come out on top in these situations, while most men tend to bounce back. If not immediately, then within a few months or years.

Then again, Maggie is not just “some” young woman. She is a young gay and black woman, which she states as a disadvantage while ignoring the fact that she has wealth – and the very real power that comes with it – backing her at all times.

As we see Alma trying to navigate this situation at both her place of work and in her private life, a secret from her past is also lurking in the background. Will this change everything if brought into the light? If one thing was clear to me, it was that broken people seem hellbent on trying to break other people.

Why? Well, maybe because misery loves company?! Or to feel superior in some way?! Both are possible, and they are not mutually exclusive.

One thing is certain: I loved seeing Julia Roberts navigate the many different sides of her character, Alma. The same goes for every actor in the cast, but especially Julia Roberts.

Watch After the Hunt on Prime Video now!

As already mentioned, Luca Guadagnino is the director of After the Hunt. He previously directed the iconic gay coming-of-age movie Call Me By Your Name (2017), the 2018 horror thriller remake of Suspiria, starring Dakota Johnson, and he also directed the amazing HBO coming-of-age series We Are Who We Are.

That series had Chloë Sevigny and Alice Braga as a married couple, and I didn’t enjoy this show at first. Then I loved it by its ending. He has a way of getting under your skin, this filmmaker. Most recently, before this 2025 movie, he came out with Queer (2024), starring Daniel Craig.

After the Hunt is a psychological thriller, but could also easily be called a crime drama, if you’re so inclined. This depends both on how you view the story and who or what you believe.

The screenplay from Nora Garrett (who also plays Billie in the movie) is fascinating in its simple premise, but with complex relationships and so much left unsaid between most people.

Ultimately, this movie has a vibe of urgency paired with a “this too shall pass” notion. The kind that is so difficult to recognize when you are in the middle of a tense situation, but easily understood in retrospect.

Basically, it’s a fascinating study in human emotion and reaction… in classic Luca Guadagnino style. Now paired with the obviously brilliant mind of Nora Garrett. This was her debut as a screenwriter, and I cannot wait to see what comes next from her!

Directed by: Luca Guadagnino
Written by: Nora Garrett
Cast: Julia Roberts, Ayo Edebiri, Andrew Garfield, Michael Stuhlbarg, Chloë Sevigny

Official plot:

AFTER THE HUNT is a gripping psychological drama about a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light.

HEDDA on Prime Video is a reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s stage play. Now full of LGBTQ key characters portrayed by a wonderfully diverse cast. Not least, Tessa Thompson as the title character. A bold and powerful character study. Read our full Hedda movie review here!

HEDDA is a new Prime Video movie with a lot of female power. Both in front of and behind the camera. Yes, despite being based on a play originally written by a man. Of course, even that stage play featured fascinating female characters. In this movie adaptation, aptly called a “reimagining”, Tessa Thompson is Hedda. She is a force in this role.

Be sure to check this out on Prime Video and enjoy both the character-driven story, the selfish actions of various characters, and the gorgeous setting. Including a very diverse character gallery and ditto cast.

Continue reading our Hedda movie review below. Find it on Prime Video from October 29, 2025.

A bold and powerful character study

When watching Hedda, it’s difficult to truly root for anyone. You may think you’re rooting for someone, but then they turn around and do something despicable to make you question whether they should come out the winner. Of course, it won’t be long before the one scorned will then hurt someone else.

Lesson: Trust no one and watch everyone before passing judgment.

With Hedda, everything plays out during one long evening and night, right into the next morning. A party will escalate in expected and unexpected ways, but pulling the strings, you’ll usually find Hedda Gabler (Tessa Thompson). Or, I should say, Hedda Tesman, as she recently married George Tesman (Tom Bateman).

Of course, her marriage to George is more of a coincidence on her part. A marriage of convenience – or chance, even. She isn’t exactly head over heels in love with him. Mostly because she’s still caught up in her history with Eileen Lovborg (Nina Hoss).

Unfortunately, while Hedda and George were away on their six-month-long honeymoon, Eileen Lovborg had moved on with someone new. Her name is Thea Clifton (Imogen Poots), and she has done what Hedda never would or could: Left her husband and abandoned a safety net for Eileen.

Also, yes, you did read that right: Their honeymoon lasted for 6 months, which should tell you that these are upper-class people. Not necessarily wealthy, but perceived as such.

Tessa is a marvelous Hedda

I found Tessa Thompson (Passing, Thor: Ragnarok, Annihilation) to be absolutely marvelous in this reimagining of Hedda Gabler. She is the one person at this party who keeps her head cool. As such, she is able to control most other people attending. Or, maybe not control, but certainly nudge or even push in the direction she wants.

As the two men currently fighting for her attention, we have Tom Bateman (Based on a True Story) portraying her husband, and Nicholas Pinnock (Long Bright River) as Judge Roland Brack, who wants to have her. However, Hedda will let no man control her.

A woman might be able to. Particularly the woman portrayed by Nina Hoss, whom you might recognize as Cate Blanchett‘s wife in Tár (2022). In Hedda, she plays Eileen Lovborg (a gender-swap of Eilert Lövborg in Ibsen’s play), who has moved on with Thea, portrayed by Imogen Poots (Outer Range). It is a wonderful cast all around.

Watch Hedda on Prime Video now!

Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) is the writer and director of Hedda, which is very much based on Henrik Ibsen’s stage play “Hedda Gabler”. If you’re familiar with the play, then you should recognize plenty of the elements in this adaptation as well.

Fortunately, Nia DaCosta has changed more than just genders and ethnicity. Or should I say, she changed a certain element about the ending of this movie to avoid a particularly nasty trope.

You know, the “bury your gays” or “dead lesbian syndrome” kind of trope that resulted in an uproar when suddenly all lesbians in TV series were killed off in the great lesbian character culling of 2016. This is also why we here at Womentainment have made a list of lesbian movies with “happy endings“. It has far from been the norm.

I recognize this is a bit of a spoiler, but I’m not saying no one will die. Nor am I saying anyone will go unscathed. What I am saying is simply that with Nia DaCosta, I was very pleasantly surprised that killing off queer characters wasn’t a default.

Womentainment recommendation: Hedda is absolutely worth checking out!

This reimagining of a classic play is a wonderful character study… and in this version, it’s also deliciously queer! Two reasons to check it out on Prime Video, but far from the only reasons.

I should mention that, along with the LGBTQ element, there is also a focus on the limitations that come with someone being female or not white. And then there’s the added layer of social status, which tends to be something you’re born with. Or without, as it’s often the case.

Hedda is out on Prime Video globally from October 29, 2025.

Director: Nia DaCosta
Writer: Nia DaCosta (based on Henrik Ibsen’s play)
Cast: Tessa Thompson, Nina Hoss, Imogen Poots, Nicholas Pinnock, Tom Bateman, Kathryn Hunter

Official plot:

Henrik Ibsen’s renowned stage drama from 1891 is reimagined in an epic and emotional way.

DEADLOCH on Prime Video is a new Australian series labeled a “Feminist Noir Comedy” which is surprisingly accurate. Also, it’s a murder mystery and has many LGBTQ characters, so there’s that. Read our Deadloch series review here!

DEADLOCH is a new Prime Video series from Australia. It’s described simply as a crime comedy hybrid and a “Feminist Noir Comedy”. Both descriptions work surprisingly well. For me, the comedy is hit-or-miss. Some scenes work perfectly, while others go very much over the top. I’ll get back to that.

Overall, it’s a story that plays out in a small town on the Australian island state of Tasmania. This town has recently had an influx of LGBTQ people which has resulted in a culture change. However, there’s also a sudden issue of people showing up on the beach murdered!

Continue reading our Deadloch series review below. The series premiered on Prime Video worldwide on June 2, 2023.

When LGBTQ people come to a small town

You could think that the many LGBTQ people in a small town would be a problem. And sure, some people do seem to have an issue with it. Not so much that they’re gay or queer in some other way. It’s more that things are changing. And not everyone likes change.

However, the changes are in a good way that makes the town look to the future. Food and entertainment are getting more focus than ever. Also, people don’t tend to get murdered in Deadloch, but that’s about to change.

The problem in this small town comes from those pesky murders. Our main character, police officer Dulcie Collins, has promised her wife that she’s done being a detective. Instead, they’re focusing on starting a family. So, when the murders happen, outside help is called in.

This comes in the form of Eddie Redcliffe. Behind the name “Eddie” is a woman, which surprises many. She’s quite unorthodox and does not work “by the book”. Dulcie, on the other hand, does and quickly gets involved in the investigation. Once she does, it’s easy to see why her wife would prefer she didn’t.

The case consumes her. Also, more bodies show up on the beach, so this won’t be over any time soon.

The main cast and characters

The main character of Deadloch is Dulcie Collins and she’s portrayed by Kate Box (Wentworth). I love everything about the way Kate Box plays this character. She’s all heart and brains, which is a strong combination to pull off.

Also, she has wonderful and sweet chemistry with her wife Cath, portrayed by Alicia Gardiner (The Clearing).

For me, this series works best when it doesn’t focus on Eddie Redcliffe (Madeleine Sami) which I hate to say since I adore the actor portraying her. It’s just too out there and crazy which just doesn’t gel with the vibe otherwise driving the series. At least not to me.

Well, at first anyway, because it does change. Fortunately!

You may recognize Madeleine Sami if you’ve watched The Great Kiwi Bake Off (the New Zealand edition of The Great British Bake Off). Also, she was in Come to Daddy starring Elijah Wood. Usually, I love Madeleine Sami and it does get better in Deadloch, but her character is too abrasive at first. It’s a shame!

Start watching Deadloch on Prime Video now

Deadloch comes from the funny minds of Kate McCartney and Kate McLennan. The two previously worked on the comedy series The Katering Show and Get Krack!n. There are eight episodes in the crime comedy series and the murders take place from the beginning.

Directors on the series are Ben Chessell (The Great), Beck Cole (Here I Am), and Gracie Otto (The Clearing, Heartbreak High). And yes, the latter is related to Miranda “I am no man” Otto. Sorry, I love Miranda Otto and always just have flashbacks to her in Lord of the Rings saying that. Gracie and Miranda are sisters.

The series premiered with the release of its first three episodes, so you could get a chance to get hooked. The final episode is released on July 7, 2023. If you prefer to binge-watch a series, you can start at this time. However, the episodes are close to an hour long, so you could start a bit early.

Womentainment recommendation: A feminist noir comedy? Yes, you should watch it!

The fact that this series has been described (accurately) as a feminist noir comedy is enough reason for anyone to check it out. Also, a small town that experiences an influx of LGBTQ+ people, and is all the better for it? Hell yeah, tell me more.

The comedy element is not sharp at first. Specifically not with Madeleine Sami’s character, though it pains me to say that.

However, everything else is really good (and funny) and it does get much better once that tough and abrasive layer of Eddie’s personality takes a backseat. Also, we get a chance to understand the reasoning.

Deadloch premiered on Prime Video worldwide on June 2, 2023.

Creators: Kate McCartney & Kate McLennan
Directors: Ben Chessell, Gracie Otto, Beck Cole
Cast: Kate Box, Madeleine Sami, Nina Oyama, Tom Ballard, Alicia Gardiner, Susie Youssef, Pamela Rabe, Kris McQuade, Duncan Fellows, Harvey Zielinski, Shaun Martindale, Katie Robertson, Nick Simpson-Deeks, Mia Morrissey, Leonie Whyman, Mick Davies, Holly Austin, Kartanya Maynard, Naarah

Official plot:

The Tasmanian town of Deadloch, a once sleepy seaside hamlet, is left reeling when a local man turns up dead on the beach. Two female detectives are thrown together to solve the case: Fastidious local Senior Sergeant Dulcie Collins and a rough as guts blow in from Darwin, Senior Investigator Eddie Redcliffe along with their overeager junior constable Abby. As the town prepares to launch the annual arts, food and culture event – Winter Feastival – the trio have to put their differences aside and work together to find the killer.

THE POWER on Prime Video is a new series in the fantasy and mystery genres with amazing characters and a stellar cast. Based on the New York Times bestseller, this series is acutely current and relevant. Read our The Power series review here!

THE POWER is a new Prime Video series that should draw in viewers on its cast alone. Toni Collette plays one of several main characters. This is truly an ensemble cast of the highest caliber. Both young and old, with characters that offer lots of diversity – be it ethnicity or sexuality.

Based on the New York Times bestseller by author Naomi Alderman. Yes, the very same Naomi Alderman who wrote Disobedience. The book was adapted into a movie starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams as lovers. Intrigued yet? You should be!

Continue reading our season 1 The Power review below. Start watching the series on Prime Video on March 31, 2023.

When women get the power

This new series is set in a world that mirrors our own very closely. However, it’s also in the fantasy genre, so there’s a twist; Women of the world develop an ability to electrocute. The gift (or curse) of actually being able to give jolts of electricity from their own bodies.

So, how will the world react to women getting this power?

Well, very much as you’d expect; In many instances with fear and by trying to control women. Not all men, obviously. But it still very much needs to be said. Of course, depending on how a woman has been treated in life, her reaction to getting this power also differs quite a lot.

Women in very tough situations where they’ve had to fight for everything (or maybe just to survive) realize that they now have a choice. They can fight back, leave, or simply take the power!

It’s a fascinating and simple plot driver that impacts everything.

This series does represent right

In The Power, we follow a few select women very closely. These women include a female mayor (Toni Collette, The Staircase). She is battling both the male Governor (Josh Charles, The Good Wife) and her own teenage daughter (Auli’i Cravalho, Crush).

The husband of Toni Collette’s character is portrayed by John Leguizamo (The Menu). He is a doctor and the family unites quickly when their daughter is one of the first to show the electrifying new powers.

Then there’s the young black foster child (Halle Bush in a brilliant debut) who does not speak. She is not in a good place. Maybe she never has been! However, she does have a voice in her head guiding her constantly. The voice is of the amazing Adina Porter (The 100), and honestly, I’d listen to her too!

Diversity in the best way

We follow her quite a lot in The Power. Things look up for her when she arrives at a renegade convent of sorts. There, she meets Sister Maria (Daniela Vega, Una Mujer Fantástica) who is part of the reason why no one there is officially a nun anymore.

Sister Maria is transgender (as is Daniela Vega) and so all the nuns who supported her were excommunicated. While I am not much for religion in general, I’d fight alongside these nuns anytime. Leading these rebel nuns is Emily Kuroda (Gilmore Girls, Kimi).

We also meet a British young woman (Ria Zmitrowicz, Kill Your Friends) who is our queer representation. You’ll see her kissing another woman very early on. She’s battling to just be recognized in her own family. Well, in a sense… you’ll see.

Her sexuality is a non-issue. It’s more to do with marriage and infidelity. In other words, nothing she can change.

Finally, I have to mention a woman living in an Eastern European country. Actually, she’s married to the brutal dictator of said country. She isn’t exactly happy but when you see how she grew up, you can understand why she reacts as she does. Portrayed brilliantly by Zrinka Cvitesic.

Start watching The Power season 1 on Prime Video!

The new Amazon Original series The Power is based on Naomi Alderman’s novel, but she’s also taken part in the development of this series adaption. The three people credited with developing the series are Naomi Alderman, Sarah Quintrell, and Raelle Tucker. In other terms, these three are the creators of the series.

Sarah Quintrell wrote on the His Dark Materials series prior to developing this new series. Raelle Tucker previously created the series Sacred Lies and wrote on and produced series such as Supernatural, Jessica Jones, and True Blood.

She was even nominated for a Prime Time Emmy for True Blood as a producer. That’s why it makes perfect sense that Raelle Tucker is also the showrunner of The Power with her impressive experience.

Womentainment recommendation: You definitely want to watch The Power on Prime Video!

Whether for the core plot of women getting a physical advantage or the stellar cast, this is a series you do not want to miss out on. Yes, there are many characters. Fortunately, the series is built with an impressive focus on both the individual storylines and the overall core story.

The final episodes of season 1 will be released on May 12, 2023. That makes this a real Spring treat of a series and one I am very much looking forward to watching.

The Power premieres its first three episodes on Prime Video on March 31, 2023.

Showrunner: Raelle Tucker
Cast: Toni Collette, John Leguizamo, Auli’i Cravalho, Toheeb Jimoh, Josh Charles, Eddie Marsan, Ria Zmitrowicz, Zrinka Cvitešić, Halle Bush

Official plot:

The Power is our world, but for one twist of nature. Suddenly, and without warning, teenage girls develop the power to electrocute people at will. The series features a cast of remarkable characters from London to Seattle, Nigeria to Eastern Europe, as the Power evolves from a tingle in teenagers’ collarbones to a complete reversal of the power balance of the world.

CLASS OF ’07 on Prime Video is a new Australian series (comedy and genre-hybrid) with 8 half-hour episodes. A group of young women is trapped at their all-girls 10-year high school reunion. Read our full Class of ’07 season 1 review here!

CLASS OF ’07 is a new Prime Video series from Australia. It’s a comedy, but of the dark variety, resulting in somewhat of a genre-hybrid. There are eight 30-minute episodes, which means you can binge-watch the entire season in around four hours. And yes, that’s exactly what I did for this review.

The first half of the season is by far the strongest with the two final episodes being the weakest for me. I loved the cast and the wacky and (for the most part) likable characters that we get to know better with each episode. And yet, the lack of any LGBTQ characters (or even mention of the possibility) baffles me. I mean, seriously?!

Continue reading our Class of ’07 series review here. The series premieres on Prime Video on March 17, 2023.

Class of ’07 is The Wilds meets GLOW

We follow a group of young women attending their 10-year high school reunion at an all-girl catholic school. A tidal wave of apocalyptic proportion traps them at the high school campus, where they need to band together to survive.

With all their high school drama coming to the surface, it’s quite the struggle.

The all-female cast will probably lead many to think of Yellowjackets or The Wilds which are two amazing productions. However, this new Amazon Studios production is a very different kind of story. In fact, it feels more like the Netflix series GLOW at times.

No queer girls in an all-girl high school?!

I actually like all three series. And while the two first are much darker, the third (GLOW) utilizes comedy much more. Also, all three of those series have LGBTQ characters as part of the rather big ensemble casts. And it works brilliantly because it’s both believable and relatable.

With Class of ’07 playing out during an actual apocalypse, I feel it was a wasted opportunity to not take itself a bit more seriously at times. Comedy can get important points across, but so can drama or even horror!

Just look at a series like The Last of Us which manages to include all three. And has a queer leading character.

Yes, I’m a little bitter about the lack of LGBTQ representation in a story with an all-female cast. A cast that includes Caitlyn Stasey of the super gay horror movie All Cheerleaders Die (2013). To be completely honest, I was well and truly shocked that there was absolutely no LGBTQ representation in Class of ’07.

Also, nobody looks at their best friend’s lips that intensely. Not in my experience anyway.

High school drama in the adult world

For the record, the “high school drama” featured in Class of ’07 includes severe bullying, depression, grooming by adults, substance abuse problems, and so much more. Just not anything gay, which I still find extremely strange, and no, I won’t let it go.

Where Class of ’07 does get it right is when it works the whole “never-ending high school reunion with life-and-death stakes”-angle. This is perfect for a horror-comedy approach, but far too often, it foregoes the horror darkness and opts for complete silliness. A real shame because the inclusion of darkness would have helped.

Especially because some very serious issues are discussed. During the moments when Class of ’07 gets more serious, it really shines. And also during some of the comedy moments that just works perfectly.

Described as “a love letter to female friendship”, I can absolutely get behind Class of ’07. It’s both about old friends finding their way back to each other and about finding out what kind of person you want to be. And sometimes realizing that you don’t like who you are. But you can change.

Just not in a gay way. Obviously.

Watch Class of ’07 on Prime Video!

The cast of Class of ’07 is all kinds of wonderful. Every single character has traits of a type you’ll probably recognize from your own life. And yes, it does get very stereotypical at times, but with this being a comedy series first and foremost, it can get away with a lot. Just not if it’s gay, it would appear.

The cast is led by Emily Browning (Sucker Punch), Megan Smart, Caitlin Stasey (Smile), Rose Flanagan, and Sana’a Shaik (Reckoning).

The series was created by Kacie Anning, who also directed all eight episodes. Other writers attached to the series (and who helped develop it) include Anchuli Felicia King (The Baby), Zoe Norton Lodge (Ding Dong I’m Gay), Adele Vuko, Courtney Wise, and Romina Accurso (Home and Away).

On a completely unrelated note (not really), several of these writers have previously worked on productions that did include LGBTQ characters. You’ll never see a prison series with no queer characters and a all-girls (or all-boys) high school with only straight people is just unrealistic. Sorry, not sorry, for harping on about this!

Womentainment recommendation: Watch it for the focus on friendship and self-improvement

Class of ’07 might shine when it gets the comedy right and when it deals with serious high school issues that can torment people for decades. However, towards the end, it loses too much of its edge.

That’s when it becomes more of a fun series about [straight] female friendship. Also, it turns into more of a spoof on reality shows about survival. While I can understand the whole “coming full circle”-idea, as it also opens with a reality show scene, this is when Class of ’07 is at its weakest for me.

And, for the record, I’m not saying that this series would have been better for having LGBTQ characters in it. But it sure wouldn’t have hurt. On that note, I did love the very final scene, which happens right after I was ready to completely give up on the whole thing.

Class of ’07 premieres on Prime Video on March 17, 2023.

Creator: Kacie Anning
Director: Kacie Anning
Cast: Emily Browning, Megan Smart, Caitlin Stasey, Sarah Krndija, Claire Lovering, Emma Horn, Steph Tisdell, Sana’a Shaik, Chi Nguyen, Bernie Van Tiel, Rose Flanagan, Debra Lawrence

Official plot:

Class of ’07 is a comedy about a never-ending high school reunion with life and death stakes. When an apocalyptic tidal wave hits during the 10-year reunion of an all-girls high school, a group of women must find a way to survive atop the island peak of their high school campus. Now freshly entangled in decade-old drama, their greatest threat to survival isn’t the end of the world, but each other. A love letter to female friendship, Class of ’07 is about old friends finding their way back to each other, in the most absurd of settings: the apocalypse.

THE ENGLISH on Prime Video is a new Western Drama series starring Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer. Also, you can look forward to lots of familiar faces in small guest roles. A brutal revenge story that does not hold back. Read our full The English series review here!

THE ENGLISH is a new Prime Video series (co-produced with the BBC) in the Western and Drama genres. What sets this apart from other Westerns, is the fact that the story is focused on the experiences of a British woman (Emily Blunt) and a Native American man (Chaske Spencer).

Sure, they encounter plenty of white men along the way. And, to be honest, it’s never a good experience.

Emily Blunt is amazing in this series, which also has an intro that I never wanted to skip past. From the music to the visuals, that opening credits piece is just gorgeous. And it sets a perfect stage for the many gorgeous shots you’ll see throughout the series.

Continue reading our The English series review below. The new Prime Video western premieres on November 11, 2022.

The English is a revenge story that evolves

In The English, we meet the aristocratic Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), as she arrives in yet another dusty new area of America. Gorgeous nature and amazing views, but not much else. The place has just one building with the word “Hotel” written on it.

Upon arrival, she also meets the Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer) under less-than-ideal conditions. The two are quick to realize that together they are stronger than apart. Actually, they’re not really – she is, but he isn’t since he just wants peace and quiet. A request that seems near impossible for a Native American in 1890.

They are crossing middle America, which is a violent landscape built on dreams and blood. Each with their own purpose – hers being revenge and his being the wish to settle down – they face increasingly terrifying obstacles.

Meanwhile, we’re also becoming acquainted with the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming. Here, the local sheriff Robert Marshall (Stephen Rea), and a young widow Martha Myers (Valerie Pachner) are looking into a series of macabre unsolved murders. And yes, the various storylines will end up intertwining. Of course!

The English series’ ensemble cast also includes Rafe Spall (The Ritual), Tom Hughes (The Laureate), Toby Jones (The Snowman), and Ciarán Hinds (Elizabeth Harvest). Most of them play very small roles but do tend to make quite an impact. So, enjoy them while they’re on the screen.

Experiencing The Wild West through different eyes

What I really found myself enjoying while watching The English was the fact that this story is seen (and told) through very different eyes than what we’re used to. Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt) is definitely a naive British woman. However, to be fair, she has one purpose in life, which makes her careless.

She seeks revenge on the man, she believes is responsible for the death of her son. With this one goal, she is ready to go through virtually anything. As you’ll see in episode 1, she is off to a very rough beginning.

Of course, we all know Emily Blunt plays characters who are whip-smart and can protect themselves. Otherwise, The English would have been a very short series. The first American, she meets, sets the tone for many of the white men she’ll meet in this new “Land of the Free” country.

Though, to be fair, we also get to see white men who don’t care for each other. Mostly because they still abide by whatever class system they were used to in their old country. Or they’re British and don’t care for the French. Take your pick. And, of course, the same goes for Native Americans who don’t care for each other due to being from different tribes – or having specific life goals.

Basically, everyone can find a reason not to care for someone else. This being “The Wild West”, issues were usually solved with guns. Guess some things never really change, huh?!

Freedom for all… but not really!

It’s not pretty, seeing human nature enjoying “freedom”, but it does come across as a natural part of life at this time. You either hurt and kill or you get hurt and killed.

While women or Native Americans might try to avoid trouble, the white man seems to thrive on it. Well, the white men who went to the West for freedom anyway. As the story reveals, most of these white men went to this land of opportunity for either money, power, or freedom. And having the two first would ensure the third, so that seemed to be the plan.

Obviously, there are also plenty of good guys. They just never seem to last long when faced with men without scruples.

Watch The English on Prime Video

The English series comes from the award-winning writer and director Hugo Blick. The core themes are identity and revenge while race, power, and love become other driving forces for our main characters. All of which makes this quite an epic Western.

As the creator of this new Prime Video western series, Hugo Blick also serves as an executive producer as well as director, and writer. Emily Blunt is also an executive producer on the series alongside Greg Brenman (Peaky Blinders, The Honourable Woman) with Colin Wratten (Killing Eve) as a producer.

The English series is a co-production with Amazon Studios and BBC. The setting is, of course, mostly in the striking (and mostly unharmed) nature of America. However, we do also get a few scenes set in old England. Make sure you pay attention to the dialogue since many details of the story are mentioned in passing.

There is quite a bit of going back and forth in time (between Cornelia being in England and then in America, for one) and also, you’ll see stories evolve simultaneously. The series makes a point out of writing where and when we are, at all times, so make sure you also pay attention to this.

Womentainment recommendation: If you liked Godless on Netflix, you will definitely want to watch The English

This story focuses very much on the two characters played by Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer – with Emily Blunt having the most interesting character arc – so the story is tighter in its focus than Godless.

However, the comparison is still very relevant in that both focus on more than just the “white brooding cowboy”-type. Episode 1 of The English is a strong pilot, but it’s in watching the entire series that you truly get a feel for the powers at play.

The English premieres on Prime Video on November 11, 2022.

Creator: Hugo Blick
Director: Hugo Blick
Writer: Hugo Blick
Cast: Emily Blunt, Chaske Spencer, Stephen Rea, Valerie Pachner, Rafe Spall, Tom Hughes, Toby Jones, Ciarán Hinds

Official plot:

An aristocratic Englishwoman, Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt), and a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), come together in 1890 middle America to cross a violent landscape built on dreams and blood. Both of them have a clear sense of their destiny, but neither is aware that it is rooted in a shared past. They must face increasingly terrifying obstacles that will test them to their limits, physically and psychologically. But as each obstacle is overcome, it draws them closer to their ultimate destination—the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming. It is here, after an investigation by the local sheriff Robert Marshall (Stephen Rea) and young widow Martha Myers (Valerie Pachner) into a series of bizarre and macabre unsolved murders, that the full extent of their intertwined history will be truly understood, and they will come face-to-face with the future they must live.

PAPER GIRLS on Prime Video is a new Amazon Original series based on a comic book. It’s sci-fi and fantasy which includes time travel as the main plot driver. A cast featuring mostly young actors make for an intriguing watch. Read our full Paper Girls season review here!

PAPER GIRLS is a new Prime Video sci-fi series based on a comic book. There are eight episodes in season 1 and by the second episode, you should have a pretty good idea about the concept. The series is sci-fi and fantasy with time travel as the main plot driver, but there is also plenty of comedy.

The core cast of the paper girls features four young talents while the adult version of one paper girl is portrayed by Ali Wong, who definitely delivers on humor. But also on heartbreak and other very adult issues.

Continue reading our Paper Girls season 1 review below. All eight episodes are out on Prime Video from July 29, 2022.

Girls helping girls

The new Amazon Original begins very early in the morning on November 1st of 1988. However, we won’t be there for long since time travel is a big part of the story. Four young girls out on their paper route are being chased and harassed by young men still “celebrating” Halloween.

The more seasoned paper girls know that this day is notoriously awful to deliver papers on. The girl we follow, Erin, is out on her first paper route ever and has no idea what’s coming. Fortunately, three other paper girls join her and they decide to deliver their papers together on this day to form a united front.

Unfortunately, even as they form a team and hunt those that are trying to hunt them, they end up in big trouble. We’re talking four 12-year-olds being transported more than 30 years into the future since they end up in 2019. In other words, before the pandemic, but very much in the world of the Internet, which was certainly not a thing in 1988.

Great casting makes this work

Paper Girls is depicted through the eyes of four girls that are wildly different. The four characters are played by breakout leads Camryn Jones as Tiffany Quilkin, Riley Lai Nelet as Erin Tieng, Sofia Rosinsky as Mac Coyle, and Fina Strazza as KJ Brandman.

As they travel from 1988 to 2019, they arrive in a world where they exist as adults but have no memory of the events that the girls are currently going through. For comedy, Ali Wong alone delivers many wonderful moments. Ali Wong stars as the grown-up version of Erin and the casting is perfect!

Aside from these young talents and Ali Wong, we also see Nate Corddry (Mindhunter) as Larry and Adina Porter (True Blood, The 100) as Prioress. The character names might not mean much to you now, but they quickly will.

Watch Paper Girls on Prime Video

Paper Girls is based on the best-selling graphic novels written by Brian K. Vaughan and illustrated by Cliff Chiang. In the series, we get eight episodes that each deliver both fantasy, humor, great characters, and exciting twists and turns.

Stephany Folsom is responsible for creating this television series based on the comic books. Very soon, we’ll see even more from her as she is also a writer on the upcoming The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Another series being released on Prime Video as Amazon Original productions.

Womentainment recommendation: Check out this lovely coming-of-age story

So often, coming-of-age stories (and those including time travel) feature boys or adult male characters. In Paper Girls, we see four girls bonding against all odds and finding their way in a world that is very foreign to them.

If you enjoy sci-fi and fantasy, then you’ll definitely want to check out Paper Girls, but you should also want to watch this Prime Video series if you just like a good character-driven story.

Paper Girls season 1 is out on Prime Video from July 29, 2022.

Directors: Mairzee Almas, Georgi Banks-Davies, Destiny Ekaragha, and Karen Gaviola
Cast: Camryn Jones, Riley Lai Nelet, Sofia Rosinsky, Fina Strazza, Ali Wong, Nate Corddry, Adina Porter

Official plot:

In the early morning hours after Halloween 1988, four paper girls—Erin, Mac, Tiffany, and KJ—are out on their delivery route when they become caught in the crossfire between warring time-travelers, changing the course of their lives forever. Transported into the future, these girls must figure out a way to get back home to the past, a journey that will bring them face-to-face with the grown-up versions of themselves. While reconciling that their futures are far different than their 12-year-old selves imagined, they are being hunted by a militant faction of time-travelers known as the Old Watch, who have outlawed time travel so that they can stay in power. In order to survive, the girls will need to overcome their differences and learn to trust each other, and themselves. 

CHLOE (2022) on Prime Video is a new British limited series (co-produced with the BBC) and it has just six intense hour-long episodes. This has nothing to do with the 2009 movie of the same name. Though a few similarities can actually be made. Read our full Chloe series review here!

CHLOE (2022) is a new Prime Video limited series that was co-produced with the BBC. This is a British series and it was released in the UK back in February 2022, so don’t read up too much on it. You’ll only end up reading spoilers!

This limited series has six episodes and by the end of episode 1, you’ll get the first big plot twist, which does help explain a lot. Each episode is just around one hour long and there is a lot of plot (and many interesting characters) to get through, so the time is well utilized.

Continue reading our Chloe series review below and stream it on Amazon Prime Video from June 24, 2022.

Erin Doherty is brilliant in the lead

The absolute star of Chloe is Erin Doherty. And no, she does not portray the character “Chloe”, so she isn’t playing the title character. Instead, she plays Becky Green who also goes by Helena and Sasha. Well, whatever name suits the situation really.

The life Becky Green (Erin Doherty) is living is hardly one to envy. She’s trying to care for her mother, who gets confused a lot due to dementia combined with depression and terrible past memories. That’s why Becky escapes into the world of social media, where Chloe Fairbourne is the one she seems to keep an extremely close eye on.

And yes, obviously, you will find out why she’s the one person that gets the most attention. By the end of episode 1, you’ll know a bit. However, to get the full picture, you’ll have to watch all six episodes.

A new take on The Talented Mr. Ripley

Erin Doherty is quite the chameleon. Both as the struggling Becky and as her Sasha-persona, who seems to be on top of the world. Constantly, we also see Becky’s insecurities as she imagines that nobody is buying her Sasha act and constantly making fun of her.

It’s heartbreaking really. However, to be fair, Becky is also doing some rather questionable things, so obviously, she knows that she isn’t just this good and friendly person, she tries to present to the world.

A comparison to The Talented Mr. Ripley is obvious. However, comparing the Chloe limited series of 2022 to the 2009 movie of the same name isn’t really. Sure, you could argue that the main character (played by Amanda Seyfried in the film) of both stories have some things in common. Mostly the neurotic and intensity of “going for” something.

However, you will get a lot more background on Becky Green (Erin Doherty) than you ever got in the film. Of course, that’s the gift of series; You actually have time to build up characters and give them a backstory beyond a quick line here and there.

Alongside Erin Doherty, you’ll encounter lots of interesting characters (and a few obnoxious ones) played by wonderful actors. These include Pippa Bennett-Warner (Gangs of London), Billy Howle (The Serpent), Lisa Palfrey (Pride), and Brandon Micheal Hall (God Friended Me).

Watch Chloe (2022) on Prime Video now!

Alice Seabright is the creator of the 2022 Chloe series. It premiered on BBC in February of 2022 and is now out on Prime Video with all six episodes. It’s a limited series, so you’ll get the full story over the course of these six-hour-long episodes.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the trailer intrigued me enough to check it out. Fortunately, I am really happy that I gave it a shot. It’s full of real characters that have love and pain and flaws. Just like any other human being!

You may be familiar with creator/director Alice Seabright already since she wrote an episode of the awesome Netflix series Sex Education. She also directed two of the episodes of that particular series. Something that surely helped her direct half of the episodes in the Chloe series as well. The remaining three episodes are directed by Amanda Boyle (Skins).

All six episodes of Chloe (2022) are out on Amazon’s Prime Video from June 24,02022.

Womentainment recommendation: Check it out if you enjoy a good mystery!

The Chloe (2022) limited series has a strong cast, intriguing characters, and a plot that is very character-driven. All of these things make for a very binge-worthy production, so check it out on Prime Video, if that’s your sort of thing.

Creator: Alice Seabright
Directors: Alice Seabright, Amanda Boyle
Cast: Erin Doherty, Poppy Gilbert, Billy Howle, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Jack Farthing, Brandon Micheal Hall

Official plot:

Chloe follows Becky Green (Doherty), who is obsessed with stalking her childhood friend Chloe Fairbourne’s (Poppy Gilbert) perfectly curated social media presence. Chloe’s charmed life, adoring husband, and circle of high-achieving friends are always just a click away, and Becky can’t resist peering into a world that contrasts so starkly with her own, as she cares for her mother, who has early onset dementia.

When Chloe suddenly dies, Becky assumes a new identity and infiltrates the enviable lives of Chloe’s closest friends to find out what happened to her. Through her alter-ego Sasha, Becky becomes a powerful, transgressive heroine; a popular, well-connected “someone” with a life–and loves–that are far more exciting and addictive than the “no-one” she is as Becky. However, the pretense soon obscures and conflates reality, and she discovers Chloe’s real life had not been nearly as perfect as it was portrayed online. As Becky gets deeper into her con, and Chloe’s inner circle, she risks losing herself completely in the game she is playing.