Whether you’re fortunate to be physically with your Mum this Mother’s Day or instead planning for virtual celebrations, there’s no better way to connect than watching and discussing a movie with your maternal figure. And, what better way to do so than with a female-led movie to inspire and evoke girl power? Discover our favourite feminist Mother’s Day movies; it was just International Women’s Day, after all.
Inspiring Feminist Mother’s Day Movies
The First Wives Club
With an all-star cast led by Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn and Bette Midler, The First Wives Club is a resounding favourite with the BrandAlley team. When three wives are traded in by their husbands for younger models, the women team up and work together to get revenge on them instead. With comedic, inspiring and touching moments, girl power is at the forefront of this movie which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year.
The First Wives Club is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Erin Brockovich
If the words ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ could sum up anyone, it would be Erin Brockovich. The iridescent Julia Roberts plays the mum of two who’s very much in need of a decent pay check. Erin gets a job at a local law firm, where she struggles to be taken seriously by her team.
However, soon she uncovers what could be a lifechanging case in a local town, and Erin devotes her time and resources to the project and the people involved, whilst dealing with the pressures of sexist colleagues, a family at home and her own financial issues. The best part? It’s based on a true story.
Erin Brockovich is available to watch on Netflix.
Legally Blonde
With the initial hope of winning back her estranged boyfriend, Elle Woods – played by Reese Witherspoon – manages to talk her way into the college he’s attending, namely, Harvard Law. A lover of all things pink, shopping and manicures, she struggles to fit in, and even becomes a laughing stock amongst the other students.
Then, things start to look up. A professor takes a shine to her and involves her in the work for one of his cases. At the same time, she starts to create bonds and build a reputation for herself, due to her genuine, kind and no-nonsense nature. Will she solve the case?
Legally Blonde is available to watch on Netflix.
Miss Congeniality
A tomboy secret agent is sent to work undercover as a beauty pageant contestant to prevent a bombing. The opposite of poised, Gracie (Sandra Bullock) initially struggles with her new acting position. Is she able to protect her identity whilst protect the contestants from a fatal attack?
Miss Congeniality is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
Mulan
With the live action remake released last year, Mulan is set during the Chinese dynasty period. When her injured, ageing father is called up to fight during the war, Mulan escapes home and disguises herself in his place. Desperate to bring honour to her family, she signs up as a soldier and learns to fight as a man.
Mulan is available to watch on Disney+.
Little Women
Directed by Greta Gerwig and starring movie heavyweights including Meryl Streep, Saoirse Ronan, Timothée Chalomet, Laura Dern and Florence Pugh, Little Women is the coming of age story of four young American women during the 19th century. Some are independent, some crave marriage and riches, they all have their own priorities. The movie time lapses key moments in their lives, with both happy, emotional and tragic moments throughout.
Little Women Available to watch on Now TV.
Bombshell
Based on the real-life allegations against the former CEO and Chairman of Fox News, Bombshell recounts the events of a domino effect of women accusing Roger Ailes of sexual harassment in 2016. Oscar-nominated, it’s an inspiring, and sadly in some ways unsurprising story during the Me Too era.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
She’s Gotta Have It
Progressive and ahead of its time, She’s Gotta Have It is the story of an artist in New York, Nola, who is proud to have three (very different) lovers. As they develop attachments to her, the men pressure her to decide between them; struggling to accept her independence.
Eventually she chooses, but by oppressing her free spirit, the relationship suffers. Produced, directed and starring Spike Lee, this film set the precedent for female liberation and sexuality before Sex and the City graced our screens.
She’s Gotta Have It is available to watch on Netflix.
Booksmart
Olivia Wilde’s big screen directorial debut, Booksmart is a coming of age movie about two high schoolers Amy and Molly. About to graduate, they’ve spent so much time with their noses in books that they’ve failed to have any life experiences. So, they decide to make up for lost time, all during one extremely wild night. Chaos ensues in moments.
Booksmart is available to watch on Netflix.
Lady Bird
The killer combination and on-screen chemistry of Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalomet strikes again. Set in Sacramento between 2002 and 2003, Lady Bird is the tale of a 17 year old girl challenging the ups and downs of her senior year in high school. Perhaps the most fraught relationship of all? The tumultuous relationship with her mother.
Ladybird is available to watch on Netflix.
Words: Maria Loizou
