In a world where love stories between women are often underrepresented, cinema serves as a powerful medium to explore and celebrate these relationships. This Lesbian Visibility Day, we present a collection of films that offer profound and authentic portrayals of lesbian journeys.
’Flores Raras’ (2013)
immerses viewers in the real-life romance between Brazilian poet Elizabeth Bishop (Miranda Otto) and landscape architect Lota de Macedo Soares (Glória Pires), set against a backdrop of artistic and personal challenges.’Someone Great’ (2020)
starring Kristen Stewart, provides a contemporary take on a woman’s journey of embracing her sexual identity amidst societal expectations and a conservative family.’Pariah’ (2011)
presents a compelling narrative of a young African-American woman navigating family dynamics while grappling with the struggles and triumphs of self-discovery.’Elisa & Marcela’ (2019)
tells the historical love story of Elisa Sánchez Loriga and Marcela Gracia Ibeas, who defied social norms in early 20th century Spain to be together.’Imagine Me & You’ (2005)
follows Rachel (Piper Perabo) who, on her wedding day, encounters the florist Luce (Lena Headey) and feels an instant attraction. As they reconnect, their friendship blossoms, leading Rachel to question her marriage.’The Cake Eaters’ (2007)
features Harper (Mackenzie Daves) and Abby (Kristen Stewart) who visit Harper’s family for their annual Christmas dinner. Upon arrival, Abby realizes that Harper has kept their relationship a secret from her conservative parents.’The Constant Gardener’ (2005)
sees Ronit (Rachel Weisz) return to her hometown after the death of her father, a rabbi. Back in her childhood home, she relives her forbidden passion for her childhood best friend, now married to her cousin. Their rekindled connection explores the boundaries of faith and sexuality.’Carol’ (2015)
centers on Therese Belivet (Cate Blanchett), who works at a department store, and Carol, an elegant and mysterious customer. The two women develop a loving bond that has serious consequences.’The Runaways’ (2010)
explores the friendship of Sarah (Riley Keough) and Mindy (Jenna Malone) who share an unexpected moment on a trip. Years later, they struggle to reconnect before a wedding.’Pariah’ (2011)
portrays the coming-of-age story of Alike (Adepero Oduye) as she grapples with the decision of whether to openly express her sexuality or conform to her parents’ expectations.’Monster’ (2003)
delves into the troubled life of Aileen Wuornos (Charlize Theron), whose childhood was marked by sexual abuse and drug use. As a teenager, she turned to prostitution to survive. Upon moving to Florida, she meets Selby Wall (Christina Ricci) and develops a passionate romance. One night, Aileen is attacked by a client, leading her to kill the attacker. This act marks the beginning of a series of killings, making Aileen known as America’s first female serial killer.’Reaching for the Moon’ (2012)
follows the life of Elizabeth Bishop (Miranda Otto), an insecure and shy poet who finds comfort in sharing her poems with her friend Robert Lowell (Treat Williams). Seeking inspiration, she travels to Rio de Janeiro and stays at the home of her college friend, Mary, who lives with the Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soare (Glória Pires). Initially, Elizabeth and Lota clash, but soon find themselves falling in love.’Elisa & Marcela’ (2019)
depicts the story of Elisa Sanchez Loriga (Natalia de Molina), who assumes the identity of her recently deceased cousin, Mario Sanchez, to marry Marcela Gracia Ibeas (Greta Fernández) in a Catholic ceremony. Elisa and Marcela were in a forbidden and even criminal relationship for the time.’Two of Us’ (2019)
, based on the eponymous music by Oswaldo Montenegro, explores the love story of Ana (Kamila Pistori) and Laura (Amandha Monteiro), two women who share many similarities but struggle with irreconcilable differences. Ana harbors a secret that could create a conflict between reason and desire, pushing them apart or drawing them closer.’Portrait of a Lady on Fire’ (2019)
, a historical drama, portrays the romance between Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), a young aristocrat, and Marianne (Noémie Merlant), the painter commissioned to create her portrait on a secluded island in 1770s France. This beautiful, sensitive film, directed by Céline Sciamma, won the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival and received two Oscar nominations.This list offers a glimpse into the diversity of lesbian experiences as portrayed on screen. By celebrating these stories, we acknowledge the power of representation and its crucial role in shaping our understanding of love and identity.
