Do you ever watch a film and wish that the women in it had more — I don’t know… autonomy… character development… LINES? Alison Bechdel (creator of Fun Home) did too. So, she made the Bechdel test (thread):
To “pass” the Bechdel test a work must…
1. Have more than two women
2. … who speak to each other
3. ... about something other than a man.
Sounds simple, right? Here’s some films on Netflix that pass it.
1. Have more than two women
2. … who speak to each other
3. ... about something other than a man.
Sounds simple, right? Here’s some films on Netflix that pass it.
The Last Jedi — Personally, this is one of my favorite Star Wars films, and it’s not just because of how amazing Laura Dern’s hair is in it. The Last Jedi is jam-packed with strong female leads that will make you feel like you can save the universe, too. 
The Babysitter — If you’re in the mood for a little horror comedy, The Babysitter has a strong female cast that will both terrify and impress you. When they’re not trying to murder a kid, they’ve got some pretty sharp dialogue:
Mudbound — If you want to watch an award-winning film and appreciate Mary J. Blige for the multi-dimensional performer she is, check out Mudbound. It tells the story of two families who are worlds apart working on the same land in the Mississippi Delta.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (coming out August 10) — Not only is the title long-winded, but the women in it are too. This film follows a writer who joins a book club after receiving an unexpected letter from one of its participants.
Sliding Doors — Sliding Doors might be my favorite Gwyneth Paltrow performance ever. This film explores the concept of “what would happen if…” as it shows how one woman’s life would be vastly altered if she missed a train.
Magic Mike — That’s right, y’all. Magic Mike passes the Bechdel test (thanks to Olivia Munn and Cody Horn’s characters). There are very few things I love more than watching @channingtatum dance and not feeling super guilty about it.
Princess Cyd — This film follows a teenager who goes to live with her aunt in Chicago for the summer where she sparks a romance with a queer barista. The film is full of multi-dimensional female characters with lots of interests outside of men.
Wet Hot American Summer — Not only is there a talking can in Wet Hot American Summer, the women talk too. This cult classic has everything you’d want in a film: Nostalgia, humor, and an A-list cast of funny women.
Deidra & Laney Rob A Train — This film follows two sisters who start robbing trains to financially support themselves and fund Deirdra’s college dreams. The two leads (played by Ashleigh Murray and Rachel Crow) are fierce, outspoken, and don’t take shit from anyone along the way.
And there’s a lot more where those came from: Set It Up, Jurassic Park, Duck Butter, Carol, The Princess Diaries, Heathers, Kill Bill, Adventureland, A Little Princess, Welcome To Me, and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist pass too!
While the Bechdel test is just a *starting* point, it fuels an important conversation about representation and creating more complex narratives for women in film. Cheers to more multidimensional characters to come.
