by Misha Fabian
March has finally arrived and you know what that means- it’s National Women’s Month! It is during this time of the year that women all over the Philippines are celebrated and are lauded for their many contributions to society. On top of that, National Women’s Month also sheds light on the history of women and their rights and focuses on the issues and struggles that women face today. It is also during this period of time that International Women’s Day (March 8th) is observed. We here at Sulit are all about #girlpower and to keep in line with our theme of all things women, we’ve created a list of some of the shows you can find on Netflix that feature strong, powerful women. Happy watching!
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
She was working hard at her New York job making dough but it made her blue. Meet Rebecca Bunch, a savvy, cutthroat lawyer who decided to move to West Covina, California to follow the man of her dreams and find true happiness. The show stresses both the impact and the importance of having healthy interpersonal relationships and tackles sensitive topics like mental illness, sexual health, and childhood trauma. As a bonus for those who enjoy musicals, you will enjoy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend because each episode also musical numbers that are parodies of popular pop songs and Broadway classics.
Unbelievable
Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, and Kaitlyn Dever star in this miniseries following the story of Marie Adler, a girl who retracts her story about being raped after being doubted by the police. However, two female detectives pursue her case and attempt to find her rapist, pressing forward in spite of the many roadblocks that they encounter. The show is graphic in its depiction of Marie’s ordeal and will take you on an emotional rollercoaster as you see the points of view of all the main characters during their pursuit of justice.
GLOW
Filled with glitter, spangles, latex, and big hair, GLOW stars Alison Brie as Ruth Wilder, a struggling actress in 80’s Los Angeles. In an attempt to make a name for herself, she auditions to be part of a group of women wrestlers and attempts to find her place in the world of wrestling. While Ruth is the main character, GLOW allows us insight into the lives of her co-wrestlers and we are able to see the different situations, both good and bad, that they face. Initially naive and close-minded, Ruth’s eyes are opened by sharing her life with her co-wrestlers and she is able to grow in the new community she finds herself in.
The Good Place
What the fork? Zero in on Eleanor Shellstrop, a recently-deceased young woman who wakes up to find herself in The Good Place, the afterlife’s reward for those who were able to rack up brownie points for being a good person during their time on earth. Only one problem though- they’ve got the wrong Eleanor Shellstrop! As Eleanor navigates the afterlife and tries to make up for her behavior while she was alive, she comes to realize the importance of friendship and how to truly be a good person. If you’re fond of philosophical theories, reasons behind human goodness, or are just looking to watch something that’s equal parts funny and heart-tugging, The Good Place is the perfect show for you.
Grace & Frankie
Following the classic trope of rivals becoming friends, Grace & Frankie follows the lives of the titular characters who become close after they learn that their husbands are in love with each other and are planning on getting married. The show is lighthearted and comedic and it also has a refreshing take on aging and human mortality, as is seen throughout the series when Grace and Frankie are shown going through the things that women of their age would normally go through. Filled with authenticity and self-love, this one is definitely a must-watch!
The Crown
All hail the queen! As little girls, many of us have dreamed of having a life straight out of a fairytale book page- but being blue-blooded is more than just fancy dresses, high teas, and a jetsetter lifestyle. The Crown gives us a glimpse into the life of Queen Elizabeth II and depicts her transition throughout the phases of her life and her ascension as the Queen of the United Kingdom. The series is excellent in that it emphasizes the burden placed on the queen with ruling the kingdom while staying true to herself. While most of us may not be the ruler of our own lands, it’s safe to say that we are often faced with tough choices that require us to deliberate with both our heads and our hearts.
POSE
Heralded for its timelessness and creativity, POSE follows the stories of black trans women in 80’s New York where voguing was all the rage and the underground ballroom scene was booming. To these women, voguing is more than just a dance- it’s their battle cry against the conventional, patriarchal society that attempts to limit them and dull their shine. With its many heart-wrenching scenes, POSE brings attention to the plight of the LGBTQ+ and tackles issues like racism and sexism, both of which are still prevalent in our society today.
The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
After being trapped in a bunker for 15 years by a cult, Kimmy Schmidt is finally set free and heads off to New York City for a fresh start. Ellie Kemper is refreshing in her portrayal of Kimmy, who takes in the world with child-like wonder and is awestruck by normal, everyday activities. While living in New York, she meets many people who help her adjust to her new life and teach her how to survive living in the city. While the show gives off a light and comedic vibe, at its core it is still about a woman recovering from trauma and taking her life back into her own hands.
