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Each time we head to the movie theater or cue-up a TV show on our favorite streamer, we look for stories and characters that will enlighten, challenge, and thrill us. This year’s movies and TV showcased some of the most dynamic female characters we’ve seen in a long time. It was thrilling to watch these women on the big and small screen. But in 2022, female characters over 50 really shined.
We’ve always known that mature women make for some of the most interesting stories out there. This year, we saw Viola Davis lead an army of women in The Woman King, Cate Blanchett give one of her very best performances in Tár, and Christine Baranski absolutely steal the show in HBO’s The Gilded Age. Everywhere you looked, there was an amazing story centering and featuring women over 50. We’ll just put it simply: we loved to see it.
Look, it’s a busy time of year. So we totally get it that not everyone can head to their local cinema to catch some of the very best films of the year. And we know you can’t devote an entire day to a binge watch of Julia. But don’t worry. You can save these films and TV series for later and watch them at your leisure over the next few weeks. These are some of the most exciting films and TV series featuring female characters over 50 that we saw in 2022, and we hope you’ll love watching them as much as we did.
‘Grace and Frankie’
Spring of 2022 marked the final season of Netflix’s comedy series Grace and Frankie starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. For seven seasons, fans watched Grace and Frankie get up to mischief and share heartfelt moments as they embraced a new chapter in their lives. Netflix had us at Fonda and Tomlin, who’ve been longtime friends and collaborators. We just loved seeing these two living legends do what they do best: make us laugh, cry, and leave us wholly entertained.
Watch the entire series on Netflix.
‘Andor’
Ok, listen. We know you’re probably seeing this entry on our list and thinking to yourself, “Andor? Really?!” Yes, really! While this prequel series to the 2016 film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story focuses on Cassian Andor (Diego Luna), the undeniable heart of the show is Fiona Shaw as Maarva, Cassian’s adoptive mom. Whatever role she plays, Shaw is always at her best, and Maarva is no different. Not only does this character act as a loving and sometimes stern maternal figure to Cassian, she’s also a rebel and helps to spir a revolution. Maarva showed us that, no matter your age, if the fight isn’t won, it’s never over.
Watch the first season on Disney+.
‘The Gilded Age’
The Gilded Age might be known as an ensemble drama, but it’s really Christine Baranski and Cynthia Nixon who steal the show. Living at a time when the nouveau-riche are moving into New York City, Baranski’s Agnes Van Rhijn is stubborn and resolute, while her sister Ada Brook (Nixon) balances their old house with her softness. Watching these two women discuss the politics of love, wealth, and society is watching a master class in acting. These two women represent the most dynamic characters in the series.
Watch the first season on HBO Max.
‘Hacks’
No one has timing quite like Jean Smart in Hacks. The beloved, Emmy-winning actress embodies comedienne Deborah Vance and gives her as much depth as she does bite. There are a lot of women like Deborah Vance in the world, who aren’t ready for the spotlight to go out on them. And why should they? Deborah Vance isn’t done; not yet.
Watch on HBO Max.
‘Julia’
We’re sure you’ve seen Julie & Julia, the Nora Ephron classic about Julia Child and how she inspired the late Julie Powell to embrace the art of cooking. But Julia on HBO Max, takes Julia Child’s origin story a step further. From the start of her show on public television, to her rise to super stardom, Julia shows audiences that the best is always yet to come.
Watch on HBO Max.
‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
All right, now we’re heading into movies. Although Black Panther: Wakanda Forever features the new guard of the MCU in the next chapter of the Black Panther story, it’s really Angela Bassett’s second outing as Queen Mother Ramonda that tugs at our heart strings. Bassett is in a league all her own in this film, to the point that she’s earning quite a lot of Oscar buzz. Here is a dynamic woman, a leader, and stoic mother who shows us what it means to give everything and still keep going.
Watch on Disney+.
‘Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris’
Based on the beloved novel of the same name, Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris reminds us that adventure never ends. Starring Academy Award nominee Lesley Manville in the titular role, Mrs. Harris Goes To Paris follows a London cleaning lady who, after recieving the sign she needs, goes to Paris to buy a dress by Christian Dior. Adventure doesn’t have an age limit, and this delightful film reminds us of that.
Watch on Prime Video.
‘Tár’
We know Cate Blanchett is unmatched in any role she plays, and this may be her best turn yet. Lydia Tár is a renowned conductor and composer in the world of classic music. But her time in the sun is nearly up. The film chronicles the divisive figure’s fall from grace, offering one of the most stirring character studies of the year.
Watch on Prime Video.
‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’
Legendary actress Michelle Yeoh is a powerhouse in Everything Everywhere All At Once. The fantasy, sci-fi film features Yeoh as Evelyn Wong, a Chinese immigrant swept up in a surprising adventure where she tumbles through the multi-verse and sees all the different lives she could have lived. Not only does Yeoh shine in this film, we get Jamie Lee Curtis as Deirdre Beaubeirdra. It’s the role of a lifetime for both actresses, and they shine brighter than ever.
Watch on Prime Video.
‘The Woman King’
Women are warriors. And in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s The Woman King, Viola Davis is the fierce leader of an army of women who battle and defend the Kingdom of Dahomey in this historical epic. It’s a testament to the fortitude and strength of women, and Davis is better than ever.
Watch on Prime Video.
‘Good Luck To You, Leo Grande’
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande stars Emma Thompson as Nancy, a retired teacher who says she’s never had an orgasm before. She hires sex worker Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) to get through her “list” of sexual exploits. But this comedy is more than just about sex, it’s about embracing your body, lovign who you are, and feeling desired at any age. You can’t go wrong with an Emma Thompson comedy, and this film proves it.
Watch on Hulu.
‘Women Talking’
With Women Talking, director Sarah Polley exams the bravery and fear of women of all ages and walks of life in her stirring drama. Women of a siloed religious community must determine if they will stay in the commune or leave after suffering years of abuse at the hands of men. It’s a searing portrait of internal conflict and years of trauma executed with such tenderness in Polley’s capable hands. The film stars Frances McDormand, Judith Ivey, Claire Foy, Rooney Mara, and Jessie Buckley.
See the film in theaters before it hits streaming.
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