Five Lesbian Films for May

I have so many films in this archive that I love, so I decided to narrow this first list to five films I've watched recently and really loved: Watermelon Woman, Bound, Kajillionaire, Go Fish and Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.

Watermelon Woman (1996)

Watermelon Woman (left) is crucial to this project, in that the archive work that the fictional Cheryl (played by Cheryl Dunye) does in the film inspired my interest in creating a lesbian archive in the first place. Outside of the framework it provided, Watermelon Woman is also a really fun movie, with flirting over taste in videos, friendship, and a story that blurs the line between reality and fiction. Dunye constructed a film that is not only interesting, but also a genuine pleasure to watch. I also particularly love how detailed Cheryl's documentary (presented at the end of the film) is. I cannot recommend Watermelon Woman highly enough. I also really loved this article that Michael Koresky wrote for Criterion about the film.

Bound (1996)

In a completely different vein, Bound is a claustrophobic, thriller with film noir elements. Gina Gershon plays Corky, a butch construction worker who only recently was released from prison. Jennifer Tilly plays the breathy and inimitable Violet, the girlfriend of a mob boss and femme fatale. I only recently saw The Matrix (I know) and so was fully convinced of the Wachowskis talent, but in this much lower-budget and smaller concept film, it really shines. The lushness that is depicted despite the gritty and dark setting (the film essentially takes place only in two small apartments) is magnificent. Also, Gershon and Tilly are just so good! It is so fun to watch them on screen and I was desperate to know what they would do next.

Kajillionaire (2020)

I did not want to love a movie with Gina Rodriguez in it, but unfortunately the rest of the cast, the plot, and the beautiful mise-en-scène won me over. Evan Rachel Wood is astonishingly good as the simultaneously sheltered and too mature daughter of two petty criminals (a wonderful Debra Winger and Richard Jenkins). The family of three pull scams and schemes, from avoiding their landlord to return to where they live (a sketchy, condemned office floor) to pulling off a mostly harmless heist at the airport. When they meet Melanie (Rodriguez) and she gets involved, the directions the film went were unexpected and breathtaking. Every scene truly builds upon each other to create a perfect gift of a film, waiting to be unwrapped.

Go Fish (1994)

I had low expectations for Go Fish, based on the low budget and reviews that decried it as alternately boring or crazy, so I was completely surprised by how much I loved it. Guinevere Turner is adorable as Max with her ever-present backwards hat, and the friendship between all of the lesbians was a breath of fresh air. This is a movie about a romance, but it is mostly a movie about queer friends, as the women traipse from house to house, dinner party to restaurant to movie, and more. I especially loved that the sex scene was told from multiple perspectives as both women recounted to their friends how the night had gone. Go Fish might be awkward at moments, but it is also so lovely and true.

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (2022)

When I saw the trailer for Everything, Everywhere, All at Once in December, I was instantly excited. Seeing the movie, it was even more. It is an worthwhile experience to see with no information, so I am not going to spoil any major plots, but the character of Joy (Stephanie Hsu) and her queerness is so crucial to the film, and leads to some wonderfully sweet moments between Joy and her mother (Michelle Yeoh). The entire cast is incredible in the variety of roles they play. I cannot wait to see it again. Also, Joy's outfits throughout the film are another unexpected delight.

There are so many incredible films in this archive, and I am excited to discuss more of my favorites through blogs. Stay tuned for recommendations for June!