HOT MILK is a psychological drama starring Emma Mackey. It’s not an easy watch, in many ways, but it is an important one. Also, it has a very strong ending that I personally loved. Despite the main character being an adult, this is very much a queer coming-of-age story. Read our full Hot Milk movie review here and find it on Hulu now!

HOT MILK is a movie I’ve wanted to watch ever since I first heard about it. Admittedly, this had to do with two things mainly. First, the short plot description. Second, the cast featuring three amazing women. I promise to get back to both these points later on.

For now, let me just say that this coming-of-age psychological drama is both heartbreaking and healing. Emma Mackey is amazing in the lead role, and I found myself rooting for her in ways I rarely experience. You just want to help her, while also wanting her to help herself. It’s a powerful experience with a runtime of just 93 minutes.

Continue reading our Hot Milk movie review below. The movie can be found on Hulu and VOD now.

Holding on and letting go

Hot Milk is the story of Sofia (Emma Mackey), who has devoted her entire life to her mother. Sofia is an adult woman, trying to get her degree, but is currently traveling with her mother for some sort of experimental procedure.

Her mother, Rose (Fiona Shaw), has a strange illness, which has resulted in her not being able to walk. There is nothing physically wrong with her, but she experiences pain and relies on her daughter for pretty much everything.

So, now they’re in a small town on the Spanish coast trying to find a cure for an illness that may not even exist. Of course, something is wrong with her mother, but it’s probably psychological more than physical. This also appears to be the belief of the doctor working with her.

Sofia needs to let go of her mother, which is very difficult, when she is holding on ever tighter.

Standing up for yourself

While the treatment begins, Sofia heads out on her own. This is when she meets Ingrid (Vicky Krieps). A woman who goes after what she wants, and when she sees Sofia, she wants her. This appears to open up a new world for Sofia, where she is allowed to be desired and have the spotlight on her for once.

Of course, it’s nowhere near as simple as that. Before long, it’s clear that her new romantic interest, Ingrid, and her controlling mother, Rose, have more in common than you’d assume. Mostly, they need Sofia in ways that do not benefit Sofia… in fact, they both take a toll on her.

Still, meeting Ingrid has shifted something for Sofia. She realizes there is a life to be led away from her controlling mother. In fact, it may even be what her mother needs to heal.

It’s certainly what Sofia needs if she’s to ever be happy. Watching Hot Milk is seeing someone discover the power of standing up for oneself. Something most LGBTQ+ people learn early on, when they realize they are different. Sure, there are many of us, but we are not the norm.

Should we forget, there will always be someone ready to remind us. As a result, we learn to stand up for ourselves (and each other). The alternative is not surviving. This cannot be acceptable to anyone, so we have to fight… just like Sofia!

Watch Hot Milk on Hulu or VOD now

Rebecca Lenkiewicz is the writer and director of Hot Milk. If her name sounds familiar, it’s for good reason. Rebecca Lenkiewicz also wrote the screenplays for Disobedience (2017), starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams, and Colette (2018), starring Keira Knightley.

Both movies feature queer women falling for other women, just like Hot Milk.

Also, both those movies are based on books, which this one also is. In the case of Hot Milk, it’s based on the book by Deborah Levy. This is also the first time Rebecca Lenkiewicz has directed the movie herself, which I hope she will continue to do. And yes, this is actually her directing debut, which is just astounding!

From the setting to the plot, pace, and the characters, generously portrayed by a wonderful cast, this movie just worked so wonderfully for me. Even better than I ever anticipated. Emma Mackey (Sex Education, Barbie), Fiona Shaw (Killing Eve, Echo Valley), and Vicky Krieps (Old, Phantom Thread) are all magnificent in their respective roles!

Womentainment recommendation: Watch Hot Milk as soon as you can!

This is a movie that surprised me in many ways, but didn’t let me down in any. Hot Milk is a movie with an ending that is bold and brave. Just like its main protagonist, Emma Mackey’s “Sofia”, ultimately is.

Director: Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Writer: Rebecca Lenkiewicz (based on a book by Deborah Levy)
Cast: Emma Mackey, Fiona Shaw, Vicky Krieps, Yann Gael, Patsy Ferran, Vincent Perez

Official plot:

With a strange illness, a mother and her daughter embark on a journey to the Spanish coast to find a cure, and along the way the daughter discovers another reality far from her controlling mother.

SISTER WIVES is a lesbian short film that you can watch on YouTube for free. And you should. You REALLY should. This may have a runtime of under 30 minutes, but it has more heart and soul than most full-length feature films. Read our review of the Sister Wives short film here!

SISTER WIVES is a short film from 2024 available to watch on YouTube. I came across the trailer for this short film and was intrigued immediately. Maybe it was due to having watched the trailer for the upcoming Netflix series Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, which stars one of the two stars from this short film.

We don’t usually do reviews of short films here on Womentainment, but this was so good and extremely well-made, so I had to. Also, it’s free to watch on YouTube, so I wanted to do my bit to help out all the queer women looking for a new WLW love story.

Continue reading our Sister Wives short film review below. Find this wonderful WLW love story on YouTube here >

The female gaze on Sister Wives connecting

I know the plot of Sister Wives sounds like a terrible reality show or a steamy video that fills some (typical) male girl-on-girl fantasy. However, this is not the case with the 2024 short film. I’ll get back to this, but let me start by saying that this was written and directed by one of the women starring in it.

In fact, many of the crew members on this short film are women. It’s very much about the female gaze. Actually, the female filmmaker behind this short film also founded the award-winning production company that made it: Thimble Films.

We meet a woman living a very simple and rural life with her husband. Then he comes home and tells her that she’s about to get a sister wife. It’s made obvious that he promised this would never happen, but now he’s telling her to prepare for a new wife.

One that will arrive the very next day.

The new, and much younger, wife arrives, and she is clearly just trying to play her part as well as she can. While bound together by their marriage to the same man, it doesn’t take long for them to develop feelings for each other. Obviously, this is something that clearly cannot happen… and yet, the heart wants what the heart wants.

Don’t worry, this ends well

Unlike many other lesbian love stories, Sister Wives ends on a very positive note. And no, I won’t even bother to preface that with a spoiler warning, as it should be obvious by now that I’m writing about this movie because it does everything right!

Usually, the women end up forced to be apart by circumstance (even the most amazing of lesbian movies), which is entirely realistic. However, Sister Wives is equally realistic in its depiction of these two women. They are forced into this life and this world, which they never chose for themselves.

Once they realize that there are alternatives, and they do have a choice, they make it. I loved this about Sister Wives. Sure, it’s not an easy or simple choice, and certainly not without consequence, but it is a choice nonetheless.

Watch Sister Wives on YouTube now

Louisa Connolly-Burnham and Mia McKenna-Bruce are perfect in their respective roles as the first wife and the second wife. These two worked much better than I ever dared hope, and whatever reservations (or imagined reservations) I had about this plot were quickly forgotten.

Mia McKenna-Bruce (Get Even) is the actor starring in the all-important lead role of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials on Netflix from January 15, 2026. In that 3-part miniseries on Netflix, her mother is portrayed by Helena Bonham-Carter and was created by Chris Chibnall (Broadchurch).

You may also recognize both lead actors from Peacock’s Vampire Academy. Not only does Louisa Connolly-Burnham star in Sister Wives, but she also wrote and directed the short film. Clearly, a passion project for her, and I desperately hope to see more from her soon.

After watching this short film, I am confident that you’ll share this hope. I mean, the scenes between the two women are fire. The connection is obvious immediately, as is the attraction. And again, all is made with the female gaze, so it’s never forced or overt in some exploitative way… though they do not hold back either. Enjoy!

Do not miss out on this amazing, positive, and heartfelt LGBTQ love story. Watch the lesbian love story on YouTube for free now >

Director: Louisa Connolly-Burnham
Writer: Louisa Connolly-Burnham
Stars: Mia McKenna-Bruce, Louisa Connolly-Burnham, Michael Fox

Official plot:

Two sister wives married to the same man start to develop feelings for each other.

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.

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.

DOUBLE BOOKING from Tello is a new Scare BNB lesbian thriller released in time for spooky season. It’s short and feels more like an episode of a thriller anthology than a strong stand-alone movie. However, the queer couple works, which is a huge plus. Read our Double Booking movie review here!

DOUBLE BOOKING is a new Tello movie, and this time it’s a lesbian thriller. It does get scary at times, but I would expect most people can handle it. Well, maybe not if you’ve got an Airbnb stay planned in the near future.

WANT SOMETHING QUEER FOR EVERY SEASON?

Check out our review of the queer movie The Holiday Club here >

The full title was originally “Scare BNB: The Double Booking”, which hints more at the scary element. With a release just in time for Halloween and “Spooky Season”, it’s worth checking out. However, I have to be honest; Watch it to support indie WLW filmmaking, not because it’s a good movie. It isn’t.

Continue reading our Double Booking movie review below. You can rent the movie from Tello now.

A classic horror setting

Going to a rented house in a remote setting is a classic horror setting. Having someone else show up, claiming that they also rented this property at the same time, is a real-life horror story. Not unheard of at all, but also a situation that can result in anything from mild discomfort to a scary situation.

For a lesbian couple and their son, it’s tricky to figure out just how bad this double booking really is. They’ve gone to the proverbial cabin in the woods looking for a relaxing getaway. One of the women works far too much, and the lack of wi-fi (or even a cell phone signal) is a welcome detail for this rental.

What is not welcome is the older couple, who arrive unexpectedly later that same night. They claim to have also rented it, just as they always have in that very week of every year. A new owner recently took over the property, which could explain the misunderstanding.

Could their seemingly sweet demeanor be hiding something the rainbow family should be worried about?!

The story is just too forced

On paper, the story about a lesbian couple and their son on a “relaxing getaway that turns into a nightmare” sounds intriguing enough. However, the actual story is very forced, and every single character will end up doing something strange or quite unrealistic, just to keep things interesting.

In other words, the plot of Double Booking is not good. In fact, it’s pretty bad.

What I am happy to report does work and is a good element of this Tello thriller is the lesbian couple. With Emmy (Mandahla Rose) and Dylan (Lily Richards), we get a very loving lesbian couple who are clearly very different, but seem to respect and honor each other.

I mean, they’ve been together long enough to have a 6-year-old son, but have yet to figure out how to compromise on the ideal vacation for all of them. Maybe that’s just me, but having a kid would certainly have resulted in them learning to compromise better by now.

Admittedly, their son Micah is very charming as portrayed by Deacon Clark Tuss. The young actor does have a few weaker moments, but his charm makes up for it, and he works brilliantly with his “movie moms”.

The older couple who interrupt their family time consists of Martin (Marvin E. West) and Mavis (Deborah Seidel), who also work fairly well. Especially her, I’d say, but she also has a lot of the scenes that are meant to help us relate to this older couple. He is more of a classic “grumpy old man”.

Basically, the actors do well or at least okay, while the story does not do them any favors.

Watch Double Booking from Tello now

Double Booking comes from director Christin Baker, who also gave us the LGBTQ Christmas anthology Season of Love (2019) and the lesbian Christmas movie Christmas at the Ranch (2021). With Scare BNB: The Double Booking, as it was previously titled, Christin Baker has moved from Christmas to Halloween, which I like.

In case you didn’t know, I usually write reviews of genre productions (horror, thriller, sci-fi, and true crime) over at Heaven of Horror. Admittedly, the horror and thriller elements of Double Booking worked just fine. It’s the story and pacing that I did not care for.

WANT MORE HALLOWEEN SUGGESTIONS WITH QUEER CHARACTERS?

Be sure to check out our list of the best female queer horror characters here >

The movie has won “Best Thriller” at the LA Independent Women Film Awards and “Best LGBTQ Film” at the Toronto International Women Film Festival, which is great for this movie. I don’t know about the competition, but it certainly tells you that other people have enjoyed it more than me.

Double Booking is out on VOD from Tello now.

Also, it’s the Opening Night Feature at the Tennessee International Indie Film Festival (TIIFF) in Franklin, TN (outside of Nashville) on November 6, 2025.

Womentainment recommendation: Support LGBTQ+ indie filmmaking

Overall, I want to celebrate and endorse indie queer productions, so if watching a well-portrayed and living lesbian couple at the center of a movie is enough for you, then please do check this out.

However, if you decide to watch this for the great storyline, I suspect you will be sorely disappointed. I know I was.

Director: Christin Baker
Writer: Christine Hinton
Cast: Mandahla Rose, Lily Richards, Deacon Tuss, Deborah Seidel, Marvin E. West, James David West

Official plot:

A lesbian couple and their son arrive at a cabin, eager for a relaxing getaway. That night, an older couple arrives unexpectedly, their seemingly sweet demeanor hiding a hint of something unsettling.

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.

THE ROYAL HOTEL is now on Hulu and it is definitely worth watching. It’s essentially a thriller about how we should always listen to our intuition to stay safe. Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick star. Read our full The Royal Hotel movie review here!

THE ROYAL HOTEL on Hulu is an Australian psychological thriller. I can imagine most women will watch this, and have the same experience, I did. The familiar predicament of being in a situation where you cannot leave a friend behind. However, you also can’t ignore your intuition telling you someone is “off”.

Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick star in this thriller and deliver amazing and realistic portrayals of two very different young women. Also, the movie has a brilliant supporting cast. Including Hugo Weaving (Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Dressmaker), Daniel Henshall (Defending Jacob), and Toby Wallace (Boys in the Trees).

Continue reading our The Royal Hotel movie review below. Find it on Hulu from March 14, 2024.

Welcome to the Australian Outback

The two young Americans Hanna (Julia Garner) and Liv (Jessica Henwick) are best friends, who are backpacking in Australia. Hanna and Liv are claiming to be from Canada because “everyone loves Canadians”, which is probably true, while Americans are not the most popular with the current political climate.

In any case, they run out of money in the middle of their trip, so Liv – who is definitely the more carefree of the two –convinces Hanna to take a temporary live-in job. After all, their trip is all about adventure and that would be a very different kind of adventure.

Especially as the job is tending the bar of a pub called “The Royal Hotel”. This pub is located in a very remote Outback mining town. In other words, this is a place mostly visited by men and only very few women, so their presence will be welcomed but also noticed in unwanted ways.

Always listen to your intuition

The bar owner, Billy (Hugo Weaving), warns the girls and gives them a rude awakening to the vibe and “lingo” of the Aussie Outback. They are called the C-word upon first meeting him, and it sounds both derogatory and strangely like a nickname of sorts.

Billy and the locals give the American girls one wild introduction to Down Under drinking culture on their first day. Other days are slow, but as Hanna and Liv know from the two British girls who also worked at The Royal Hotel, it can easily become a way of life for them as well. After all, there isn’t much else to do but drink!

Fortunately, Hanna (Julia Garner) is very good at listening to her intuition and she follows her gut. If there is a lesson learned from The Royal Hotel – and there is – it is to always listen to your intuition. Worst case, you miss out on something fun and interesting. The alternative of not listening to your gut could result in it being the last thing you do!

There is one man in particular, she is very weary of. Seeing all the other men at the bar also moving out of his way, tells her that her gut feeling is right. Liv (Jessica Henwick) on the other hand, is still escaping something that happened back home.

She drinks heavily and they both find themselves trapped in a bad situation. One that grows rapidly out of their control, but they refuse to back down or give up despite being very much on their own in the Outback.

Watch The Royal Hotel on Hulu now!

The Royal Hotel is directed by Kitty Green. She has directed episodes of the Apple TV+ hit series Servant and the 2019 movie The Assistant, which also starred Julia Garner in the title role. Kitty Green co-wrote the screenplay with Oscar Redding.

This 2023 Australian psychological thriller is one of the stronger movies I’ve watched in quite some time. It is extremely scary to watch as I suspect many women (and some men) will recognize the situations Hanna and Liv are caught up in.

Also, Julia Garner (Ozark, Inventing Anna, Dirty John) is brilliant, yet again, as Hanna. And so is Jessica Henwick (The Gray Man, Love and Monsters) as Liv. She drove me crazy at times – the character, I mean – when she got too drunk and didn’t listen to her friend.

However, there was also clearly something in the past troubling Liv, which Hanna recognized.

A strong duo with Julia Garner and Jessica Henwick in the lead roles. And the strong friendship between Hanna and Liv, who never gave up on each other. No matter how terrible or dangerous, the situation got!

Womentainment recommendation: Watch it to be reminded of your own strength!

In The Royal Hotel, Julia Garner’s “Hanna” is listening to her intuition and does not back down. Sure, she might try to be soft-spoken and kind when she believes this to be the best option. However, she is always ready to deliver a more stern tone or pick up an axe, when she needs to command respect.

For me, The Royal Hotel is a great reminder for women that while the world is a dangerous place, Mother Nature has equipped us with intuition and we need to pay more attention to that. Forget that someone might feel back that you’re weary of them. Your safety should always be more important than their comfort. Always!

The Royal Hotel is out on VOD and you can stream it on Hulu from March 14, 2024.

Director: Kitty Green
Writers: Kitty Green, Oscar Redding
Cast: Julia Garner, Jessica Henwick, Hugo Weaving, James Frecheville, Toby Wallace, Daniel Henshall, Ursula Yovich, Herbert Nordrum

Official plot:

After running out of money while backpacking in a tiny, male-dominated town in the Australian outback, two friends resort to a working holiday at the Royal Hotel. When the locals behavior starts crossing the line, the girls find themselves trapped in an unnerving situation that grows rapidly out of their control.

7 WOMEN AND A MURDER on Netflix is a new murder mystery from Italy (org. title: 7 donne e un mistero). It’s a remake of the French 8 Femmes from 2002. An over-the-top comedy full of drama. Read our 7 Women and a Murder movie review here!

7 WOMEN AND A MURDER is a new Netflix movie from Italy (org. title: 7 donne e un mistero). This murder mystery is a remake of the French 8 Femmes from 2002. The story takes place during the 1950s, which you can sense by the outfits and the somewhat stereotypical behavior of the characters.

It even takes place during the Christmas holiday, so you should check it out now, if possible. The cast is fantastic and the movie is very entertaining. Also, the runtime is just 1 hour and 22 minutes, so it’s a quick and fun watch.

Continue reading our 7 Women and a Murder movie review below. Find it on Netflix from December 28, 2022.

A remake of 8 femmes

Just like the original movie 8 femmes, it’s an over-the-top comedy with a brilliant cast and so much drama. Very much character-driven and based on a play, which you can sense in both the 2002 movie from France and this 2022 Italian remake.

We see a lot of remakes and in the case of 7 Women and a Murder, there are 20 years between the two movies. However, you won’t sense this much since both take place during the 1950s. In other words, the setting and outfits are quite similar. Extremely colorful and quite stereotypical, but in ways that work.

The outfits are like something straight out of (pun intended) a movie like Carol. 

Amazing chemistry but less sapphic

While both 7 Women and a Murder and the French original adaption of 8 femmes (or 8 Women) are extremely character-driven and rely on the chemistry of their cast members, it does differ in one way. There is still a sapphic (or just homo erotic, if you will) moment between two characters, but it’s nowhere near as intense as in the original.

In the original, the cast consists of Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Emmanuelle Béart, Fanny Ardant, Virginie Ledoyen, Danielle Darrieux, Ludivine Sagnier, and Firmine Richard.  There is fantastic chemistry and it just works brilliantly.

And yet, there is no doubt that the chemistry between Catherine Deneuve and Fanny Ardant was smoking hot. Also, the two actors (both huge stars in their own right) went all in on the chemistry which resulted in a kiss that worked remarkably well. To be fair though, there is a lot of the chemistry in 8 femmes that felt very sapphically charged.

The same goes for 7 Women and a Murder on Netflix. In some very intense ways, actually. However, the actual kiss in 7 Women and a Murder didn’t work nearly as well. The setup and actual moment just felt way too forced. Not at all like the moment from 8 femmes.

And yes, I realize I’m talking a lot about the original, but such is the nature of reviewing a remake. Particularly of a movie that has quite the cult status.

Watch 7 Women and a Murder on Netflix now!

This new Italian adaption on Netflix is directed by Alessandro Genovesi who also co-wrote the script with Lisa Nur Sultan. Right now, Lisa Nur Sultan is also the head writer on the Italian version of Call My Agent (another French hit), so she’s on a roll right now.

The movie is based on the play Huit femmes by Robert Thomas. Alessandro Genovesi previously directed and co-wrote My Big Gay Italian Wedding (2018) which was also based on a play.

In this new Italian remake, the cast is also full of brilliant Italian actors. Margherita Buy, Diana Del Bufalo, Sabrina Impacciatore, Benedetta Porcaroli, Micaela Ramazzotti, Luisa Ranieri, and Ornella Vanoni star in this remake. For international audiences, Sabrina Impacciatore will probably be familiar as she’s in season 2 of The White Lotus.

In that series, Sabrina Impacciatore does actually play a queer character, but she does not in 7 Women and a Murder. Personally, I felt the strongest sapphic energy from Luisa Ranieri who plays Maria the Maid. Maybe that’s because I’ve seen her in uniform before in Bienvenue à bord (2011).

Honestly, not having Luisa Ranieri play the WLW [Woman Loving Woman] part in 7 Women and a Murder feels like a miss. She has the best energy and resembles Fanny Ardant the most in that sense. Oh well, that doesn’t take away from the entertainment value of this new Netflix remake, so do check it out.

7 Women and a Murder is available on Netflix from December 28, 2022.

Womentainment recommendation: Watch this if you enjoy movies with awesome female characters!

Like the original 8 femmes, 7 Women and a Murder on Netflix is a very female-driven movie. The humor is spot-on and so is the drama. For me, 8 femmes is definitely the better and more accomplished version.

In other words, if you love the original, you can enjoy this as well but don’t expect the same level. Also, if you enjoy 7 Women and a Murder, but haven’t watched 8 femmes from 2002 yet, then you have quite a treat in store!

Director: Alessandro Genovesi
Writers: Alessandro Genovesi, Lisa Nur Sultan
Stars: Margherita Buy, Diana Del Bufalo, Sabrina Impacciatore, Benedetta Porcaroli, Micaela Ramazzotti, Luisa Ranieri, Ornella Vanoni

Official plot:

When their family patriarch is stabbed, seven women, each with ulterior motives, become trapped together in a mansion to solve the puzzle of his murder.