You know what’s better than a good book? A good book turned into a movie! And when it comes to movies, CherryPicks has you covered. On our site, we gather reviews and publish hot takes on film and TV exclusively from the female and non-binary lens. For National Book-Lovers Day on August 9th, we’ve got belly laughs, star-crossed lovers, heart-pounding thrillers, from the classics to bestsellers and everything in between. Whatever your mood, you’ll find something on this list to watch. So enjoy these books come to life and celebrate your love for the written word in CherryPicks style.
From new 2021 picks like Passing, Those Who Wish Me Dead, and Finding You to inspiring classics like Whale Rider, read on for these CherryPicked adaptations you can watch right now.
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Finding You (2021)
CherryScore: 63%
Follow Finley (Rose Reid) and Beckett (Jedidiah Goodacre) on their coming-of-age journey to find true love in the beautiful Irish countryside. CherryPicker Carla Renata writes that Finding You is “a charming, emotional film about anger, love, mistaking arrogance for confidence…” (The Curvy Film Critic)
Passing (2021)
CherryScore: 73%
Centered around two friends, played by Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga, this story examines race and gender in New York City in the 1920s. CherryPicker Valerie Complex writes, “As a first-time director, Hall constructs a film with stunning technical and aesthetic prowess.” (Consequence Film)
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
CherryScore: 67%
This bestseller gets a big screen upgrade to full on wilderness thriller that has Angelina Jolie taking on fires and assassins as she tries to help a boy who’s father’s been murdered in the wilds of Montana. CherryPicker Carla Hay writes, “What will keep people interested […] are the many suspenseful moments and how the talented cast members are able to bring authenticity to characters…” (Culture Mix)
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
CherryScore: 81%
This vibrant, frenetic film brings Kevin Kwan’s novel to new technicolor heights and makes Rachel (Constance Wu) and Nick’s (Henry Golding) journey on the way to lasting love (despite familial interference) a delightfully visual treat. CherryPicker Ruth Maramis writes, “Thanks to Jon M. Chu and the phenomenal cast, it’s such a joyful experience that’s both funny AND romantic.” (FlixChatter.net)
Little Women (2019)
CherryScore: 87%
Bringing Jo March (Saoirse Ronan) to life is no small feat. This film brings her and all the beloved characters from Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel into your living room with their life lessons that expertly pull at heartstrings. CherryPicker Jennifer Heaton writes, “Ultimately, it is Gerwig’s writing and directing that is the film’s true star.” (Alternative Lens)
Whale Rider (2002)
CherryScore: 88%
Reading about Pai (played by Keisha Castle-Hughes), a young Māori girl who aspires to overcome old traditions and become chief of her tribe, is inspiring, and seeing her adventure come to life on the screen is goosebump inducing. CherryPicker MaryAnn Johanson writes, “The world needs more movies about girls smashing patriarchal bullshit and claiming their rightful places in society…” (FlickFilosopher)
The Last Letter From Your Lover (2021)
CherryScore: 65%
If you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned love story, this book by Jojo Moyes turned movie has two: one set in the present day and flashbacks to a passionate affair that takes place in the 1960s. CherryPicker Beatrice Loayza writes, “Ultimately, the past and present converge, yielding not a lesson on how radically different women overcome their painful histories, but a happy ending about the universal power of love — or whatever.” (The New York Times)
Watch on Netflix.
Hidden Figures (2016)
CherryScore: 86%
Do you need a boost of female empowerment? Look no further. An all-star cast of Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe breathe life into the lesser-known history of women in the space race. CherryPicker Katie Smith-Wong writes, “the trio of strong female protagonists bring an array of personality traits that make them inspirational and relatable.” (FlickFeast)
The Hate U Give (2018)
CherryScore: 85%
This relevant book by Angie Thomas follows the violence and challenges a young girl (played by Amandla Stenberg) faces with bravery and honesty is tough to read, and the movie doesn’t shy away from bringing a difficult conversation to the screen. CherryPicker Roxana Hadadi writes, “The Hate U Give is thought-provoking all around thanks to a screenplay by Audrey Wells, who insightfully explores Starr’s different identities and how she has to act differently all the time.” (Chesapeake Family Life)
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
CherryScore: 81%
From the embarrassment of her private love letters becoming public to her warm family dynamics, seeing Lara Jean’s (Lana Condor) story unfold onscreen is both comforting and irrepressibly sweet. CherryPicker Li Lai writes “To All the Boys feels relevant to a demographic that looks nothing like the audiences of the genre’s heyday, in the 90s and early aughts.” (Mediaversity)
Watch on Netflix.
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