2022 is shaping up to be a record year for women directors. We’re anticipating a slate of movies that reflect an unprecedented range of girls’ and women’s experiences. From history to fantasy, from wide releases to festival favorites, here are some of the titles we’re looking forward to.
The Most Anticipated Movies
Umma (March 18)
Written and directed by Iris K. Shim
Amanda (Sandra Oh) is a woman who likes her quiet life with her daughter on their little farm. Her peace is shattered by the arrival of an unexpected visitor: A stranger has brought the remains of her estranged mother – “Umma” in Korean. And then things start to get scary.
Is Amanda losing it, or does Umma’s spirit really have a bone to pick? And what’s going on with Amanda’s own headstrong daughter?
Petite Maman (April 22)
Written and directed by Céline Sciamma
Sciamma follows up Portrait of a Lady on Fire with another film about women. That's where the similarities end. When young Nelly’s family travels to pack up her recently-deceased grandmother’s home, Nelly befriends a girl who’s just about her age. Before long, Nelly starts to suspect that the girl is actually her mother. Petite Maman earned raves on the festival circuit for its poignant examination of childhood and relationships, all wrapped in a neat hour-plus package.
Happening (May 6)
Directed by Audrey Diwan
It's Paris in 1963, and college student races against the clock to secure an illegal abortion. Happening won the Golden Lion at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival for its intimate portrayal of a woman on a mission to keep her life on track.
Where the Crawdads Sing (July 22)
Directed by Olivia Newman
Delia Owens’ bestseller has riveted readers since 2018, so bringing the atmospheric tale to the big screen was a no-brainer. Olivia Newman’s adaptation stars Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kya, a young woman who’s all but raised herself in the marshes of the deep south. When a former suitor turns up dead some years later, she’s accused of his murder.
Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul. (September 2)
Written and directed by Adamma Ebo
In this sharp satire, Regina Hall stars as Trinitie Childs, the wife of a Southern Baptist megachurch pastor (Sterling K. Brown). When a scandal centered on the pastor threatens the future of the church, Trinitie sets out to spearhead a comeback.
The Woman King (September 16)
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood
If you were fascinated by Black Panther’s Dora Milaje, don’t miss the story of one of the groups that inspired them. Dahomey was a major West African power in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, thanks in no small part to the Dahomey Amazons, an elite all-female military unit. In The Woman King, Viola Davis stars as their general in the waning days of the empire.
Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret (September 16)
Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig
Judy Blume's beloved novel finally makes its way to the big screen. Margaret is an 11-year-old girl grappling with many things: A new home, a changing body, questions of faith and family dynamics. Abby Ryder Fortson stars as Margaret; Rachel McAdams, Benny Safdie and Kathy Bates appear as Margaret's parents and grandmother.
Don't Worry Darling (September 23)
Directed by Olivia Wilde
Florence Pugh and Harry Styles lead the cast of a psychological thriller set in a community that's just a little too perfect. Director Olivia Wilde (Booksmart), Gemma Chan and Chris Pine co-star.
She Said (November 18)
Directed by Maria Schrader
Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan portray Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, the real-life New York Times reporters who broke the Harvey Weinstein story and pushed #MeToo into the cultural spotlight. The movie follows their investigation into one of entertainment's most notorious power players.
I Wanna Dance With Somebody (December 21)
Directed by Kasi Lemmons
Kasi Lemmons follows Harriet with a Whitney Houston biopic. Naomi Ackie (pictured above) takes on the title role; Stanley Tucci, Tamara Tunie and Ashton Sanders co-star.
More Movies To Watch For
Mothering Sunday (March 25)
Directed by Eva Husson
There's nothing quite like a British high-society forbidden love story. Odessa Young and Josh O'Connor star as the secret lovers.
Infinite Storm (March 25)
Directed by Malgorzata Szumowska
Naomi Watts is a mountaineer trying to save a stranded climber from a terrible blizzard.
We're All Going to the World's Fair (April 15)
Directed by Jane Schoenbrun
When a teenager steps into the world of a horror role-playing game, her real life and online life seem to merge.
Pleasure (May 13)
Directed by Ninja Thyberg
A young immigrant from Sweden navigates the Southern California porn industry. (As you might suspect, this one's not for the kids.)
Bed Rest (July 15)
Written and directed by Lori Evans Tyalor
Is Julie's (Melissa Barrera) house haunted, or is the tedium of bed rest driving her over the edge?
The Bride (August 26)
Directed by Jessica M. Thompson
A young woman (Nathalie Emmanuel) accepts an invitation to a wedding in England, only to find herself in the middle of a gothic conspiracy. Destination weddings, amirite?
