Welcome to Points of Pride! Within this series we’ll cover all things LGBTQ+ Pride, from moments in history to information to film reviews. This issue’s article covers the latter; we will be featuring movie and TV reviews that center LGBTQ+ characters and their stories. Disclaimer: these are my personal favorites, meaning they are not 100% free from common tropes, and, as always, make sure to check the trigger warnings before watching any of our recommendations.
The Birdcage: This movie, starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane, will be greatly enjoyed by fans of But I’m a Cheerleader. It tells the story of Armand, a gay man who owns a Miami drag show, and his husband, Albert, the star of his show. When their son endeavors to marry the daughter of a conservative senator, the couple must pretend to be straight to win the approval of the right-wing soon-to-be inlaws. Despite its premise, The Birdcage is ultimately endearing, giving the “family dinner goes wrong” trope an entirely new twist.
The Watermelon Woman: While I haven’t personally seen this one yet, it comes highly recommended. This movie, dubbed “autofiction,” follows Cheryl Dunye as she strives to make a film about “The Watermelon Woman,” an unnamed black actress of a 1930s film.
The Real Thing: This short film is the 7-minute story of a father coming home from military service and reuniting with his daughter, who transitioned before he left. A lot is said with very little, making the film simultaneously gentle and powerful.
