20th Century Women
US release date: December 25th, 2016
UK release date: January 20th, 2017
What is it? A semi-autobiographical comedy-drama about three women in southern California in 1979, and their influence on a teenage boy.
Who made it? The film is written and directed by Mike Mills (Thumbsucker, Beginners), and features characters that are fictionalised versions of those that influenced him in childhood.
Who’s in it? Annette Bening, Elle Fanning, Greta Gerwig, Billy Crudup, Alia Shawkat.
What do we think? Trailers suggest that this is a charming, intimate movie with stellar performances from an impressive cast. The most intriguing aspect is the idea of three very different women being depicted through the perception of a teenage boy in a way that seems far more complex than the usual ‘cinematic male gaze.’