documentaries Archives – Women's eNews

Elle Fanning stars as Jesse in "The Neon Demon"

Movie Reviews: ‘The Neon Demon’ is a Thrilling Tour de Force

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● June 24, 2016

Other must-see films opening June 24 include the femme-centric action thriller “The Shallows” and “Septembers of Shiraz,” a drama about a Jewish family in Iran who must abandon their home.

Latest in documentaries

Movie Reviews: ‘The Fits’ Is a Stunning First Feature

By Jennifer Merin ● Arts & Culture ● June 3, 2016

This week also brings us “Honeyglue,” an unusual love story that will stick with you. Another must-see is “Love, Sweat and Tears,” a documentary about the doctor determined to end the stigma that still clings to menopause.

Halle Berry is Brilliant in ‘Frankie and Alice’

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● April 17, 2014

And among some April 18 openers catch this oddity: “The Final Member,” a documentary about Iceland’s Phallological Museum, a collection of carefully preserved male mammalian genitalia that needs only a human specimen to be complete.

Go See ‘Maidentrip;’ Steer Clear of ‘G.B.F.’

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● January 16, 2014

The documentary about 14-year-old world-solo sailor Laura Dekker is inspiring. Another teen movie, “G.B.F.,” about prom-queen aspirants, demeans everyone; including the audience. Skip it, and steer teenagers away too.

‘Philomena’ Probes Toll of 1950s Sexual Strictures

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● November 14, 2013

Dame Judi Dench stars in this heart wrenching story of an unwed mother whose baby is taken away from her. The film makes a strong pairing with the biodoc “Bettie Page Reveals All.” Mark your calendars and don’t miss either.

Repression Runs the Gamut in Late October Films

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● October 18, 2013

‘Camille Claudel, 1915,’ about a sculptress confined to an insane asylum, begins the run. There’s also the documentary ‘The Square’ about the Egyptian revolution and ’12 Years a Slave,’ based on a mid-19th century memoir of a free black man.

‘A Teacher’ and ‘Adore’ Focus on Much Younger Men

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● September 5, 2013

September is an exceptionally strong month for films by and about women. Especially appealing among early openers are two femme-helmed narrative features that delve into illicit relationships between women and younger men. Both films open Sept. 6.

TV Documentaries Top Late July Film Releases

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● July 19, 2013

Check your local HBO and ESPN listings for such fascinating fare as “The Cheshire Murders,” “No Limits” and “Let Them Wear Towels.” Among late July theater openers, “Blackfish,” about a tragic death at SeaWorld, opens July 19.

‘The Brass Teapot’ Brews Movie Magic for April

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● March 29, 2013

Other new releases this week include “Lotus Eaters” and the documentary “No Place on Earth.” Overall though, openings are thin this month, unless you’re a big fan of horror flicks.

‘Zero Dark Thirty’ Puts Torture in Oscar Spotlight

By Jennifer Merin ● Uncategorized ● January 10, 2013

Here’s a cheat sheet for the roster of female directors who are likely to make the list of Oscar nominations announced today. One of them is Kathryn Bigelow, whose latest military film is clouded by controversy over its depiction of torture.