By Tom Moore and Joan Amenn
On the surface, February might seem a little light for female-directed films hitting theaters and streaming, but it’s actually chock-full of potential hits. From a star-studded Netflix rom com coming right in time for Valentine’s Day to the latest film from an actress turned director about a wild true story, February has got plenty of new films worth looking into.
“True Spirit”: Directed by Sarah Spillane, the film is based story of Jessica Watson (Teagan Croft), an Australian teenager who lived her dreams and faced her fears as she became the youngest person to sail around the world non-stop on her own. Anna Paquin and Cliff Curtis co-star. “True Spirit” comes to Netflix on February 3rd.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPYD9dw6jmA
“Daughter of the Bride”: Directed by Annette Haywood-Carter, the film follows Diane (Marcia Gay Harden) and Kate (Halston Sage), an inseparable mother/daughter duo who’s relationship takes a comedic and dramatic turn when Diane announces that she’s engaged to a mysterious man. The film hits theaters in limited release on February 3rd.
“Your Place or Mine”: Directed by Aline Brosh McKenna, the film follows Debbie (Reese Witherspoon) and Peter (Ashton Kutcher), two life-long friends who gain new perspectives on relationships and their feelings for each other when switch places to help each other out. Steve Zahn, Jessie Williams, Zoe Chao, and Tig Notaro co-star. This star-studded rom com releases on Netflix just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 10th.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JyfgkPMXk0
“The Blue Caftan”: Directed by Maryam Touzani, the film follows married couple Halim (Saleh Bakri) and Mina (Lubna Azabal), who run a caftan store in one of Morocco’s oldest districts and have their lives changed when they hire a young assistant. The film hits theaters in limited release on February 10th.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFJBaGlt0FI
“Emily”: Directed by Frances O’Connor, the film tells the story of Emily Bronte (Emma Mackey), who would become one of the most prolific and impactful writers of all-time after her life-altering journey through womanhood being a rebellious misfit. Fionn Whitehead and Oliver Jackson-Cohen co-star. O’Connor’s directorial debut hits theaters in limited release on February 17th.
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCa5rx_8WCc
“What Comes Around”: Directed by Amy Redford, originally titled Roost, the film brings viewers into a thrilling cat and mouse game spurred by an affair bringing out the real intentions of those involved. Summer Phoenix, Grace Van Dien, and Kyle Gallner star. The film hits theaters in limited release on February 17th.
“Cocaine Bear”: Directed by Elizabeth Banks, the film depicts the shocking true story of a large bear consuming cocaine dropped from a planed and going on a bloodthirsty rampage through a small Georgia town. The film features an ensemble cast made up of Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Matthew Rhys, Isaiah Whitlock Jr., and the late Ray Liotta. The film comes to theaters everywhere on February 24th.
In Their Own League 