This week I’ve pulled out what I think are the top two stories in women’s sport that caught my attention and then for something a bit different, I’ve listed some of my fave movies and series if you’re looking for some inspiration for what to watch this weekend.
One of the most concerning stories in Aotearoa NZ this week is that the members selected for the ‘independent’ steering committee Gymnastics NZ (that was supposed to set up in March), will be overseen and influenced by… Gymnastics NZ. So not really that independent. Plus any recommendations the group makes, won’t be binding.
Meanwhile in Australia, a new five-year collective bargaining agreement was announced between the Professional Footballers Australia and the Australian Professional Leagues (which run the A-League where we have the Wellington Phoenix team, and the W-League where it’s hoped we’ll have a team before 2023), with the aim to improve wages and drive up playing standards “in a bid to improve gender equality”. This is a bold claim, given the W-League salary floor (the lowest total amount that can be paid to a squad) increases by $100k over 5 years from $294k to $390k, while the A-League salary floor increases by $250k in 1 year to $2.25m. The W-League salary cap is $450k and will be “reviewed annually” (i.e. no change guaranteed), while the A-League salary cap will be $2.5m next season rising by $100k the following two seasons, plus the number of players who can be paid outside the salary limit rises from two to three. I keep seeing this announcement being lauded as progress for gender equality, maybe I’m missing something because it doesn’t sound very equitable to me!
Some of my friends and I share recommendations for movies and series to watch while we spend more time at home during various lockdown levels and try and distract ourselves from the Covid chaos. So I thought I’d share a few of my faves with you. I’ve grouped them for those looking for something light and those who are ok with something a bit darker.
Light
Barb and Star go to Vista del Mar, movie on Neon. From the creators of Bridesmaids, so expect some familiar faces and the same slapstick hilarity. I’ve watched this movie three times already, it’s so funny. Kristen Wiig plays both Star and the villainess (and also co-wrote it with co-star Annie Munolo). It also stars Jamie Dornan who plays hapless Edgar who just wants to be loved, which is some what of a contrast (and remedy!) after his characters in 50 Shades of Grey and The Fall – especially his solo song “Edgar’s prayer” which was hilarious. Don’t rely on the trailer. The storyline is classic comedic try and stop the villain, think Despicable Me.
We are Lady Parts, series on Neon. I loved this series, which follows the journeys of four Muslim women who are in a punk band called Lady Parts. Written and directed by Nida Manzoor, each episode is very clever and witty. The series explores the challenges and expectations that come with being a woman, a Muslim woman, and a Muslim woman in a punk band (as well as being single looking for a husband, married and a mum, a gay woman, and a woman grieving and struggling with relationships).
Moxie!, movie on Netflix. This is a largely fun, coming-of-age movie, as a teenage girl realises, comes to terms with, and then acts on, the sexism rife at her high school. It’s pretty light, but does deal with some heavy issues that girls and women have to deal with when the sexism is left unabated. It’s based on the book by the same name by Jennifer Mathieu, and is directed by Amy Poehler (who also stars in it).
Grey zone
The Chair, series on Netflix. This is in the grey zone because while it is quite light and very easy watching, it very accurately portrays the sexism and racism in academia, so it’s one of those laughing because otherwise I’ll cry-type situations. Sandra Oh plays the newly appointed (and first ever woman) Chair of the English Department at a U.S. university. The series follows Sandra’s character as she juggles expectations, relationships, being a mother and a daughter in academia. The series was created by Amanda Peet and Annie Julia Wyman.
The White Lotus, series on Neon. This series reminded me of the log flume ride at Rainbow’s End – it starts off pretty soft, it’s funny, there’s interesting characters, you’re enjoying the ride, but the whole time you know there is a big scary finale coming at the end of the ride! What starts off light, becomes darker and more complex as the story unfolds. It’s set on an island resort in Hawaii so some amazing scenic shots while you digest the threads of colonisation, classism, racism, gender equity, homophobia, and escapism that are woven through the narrative.
Gentleman Jack, series on Neon. Set in the 1830s, it follows Anne Lister and the challenges that women faced at this time, as well as being one of the first (somewhat) open lesbian women in England. The series is based (loosely) on intricate diaries she kept at the time. Suranne Jones, who plays Lister, conveys her strength, independence, and devotion, and how she handles the challenges that she constantly faces. The series was created and directed by Sally Wainwright.
Darker but still awesome
Mare of Easttown, series on Neon. Stars Kate Winslet as an unfiltered detective in small town America, trying to solve a local murder while also dealing with her own challenges. Kate’s character is REAL, she swears, she is argumentative, she says things and then has to apologise for it later, and her hair needs washing. Apparently when editing the series, Kate was asked if she wanted her tummy roll to be photoshopped out of a scene and she said no. It’s also a gritty story and I did not predict that ending!
Dr Death, series on TVNZ on Demand. I think this is only one in my list that doesn’t have a strong leading lady… on no wait, the lawyer is a woman and it’s her nous and expertise that saves the day. (Phew!) This series had me captivated right from the start. It’s based (loosely) on true events which makes it even more frightening. Despite being focused on surgery, there is not much gore, it mostly focuses on the politics of the U.S. health system that allowed a neurosurgeon to move hospitals and keep practicing despite a growing list of severely botched surgeries. The series borders on psychological thriller as it keeps you guessing whether the surgeon was massively incompetent or if he did it on purpose.
Super dark
The Morning Show, series on Apple+. This is a MUST SEE series. I saw the first series last year and the second series is due out this month. The storyline is the journey following allegations of sexual assault by a popular male tv show co-host against a junior staff member in a television studio. The series follows a number of different characters and how they react to the allegations, from the male co-host who thinks it was a consensual affair through to his colleagues who can’t believe it because he’s a “good guy”, to his boss who tries to cover it up, and of course, the woman he assaults. It’s grim, but it does such an amazing job of explaining the different perspectives, the unequal power dynamics within organisations and the tragic consequences when assault allegations are not addressed properly. This is the #MeToo series, for those who get it and those who don’t but want to.
Unbelievable, series on Netflix. This series is similar to The Morning Show, when allegations of sexual assault are not believed or addressed properly. In this case, it’s a teenage girl who doesn’t react the way the policemen interviewing her think she should after being assaulted, so they decide she is lying. It’s not until another woman is attacked and a female detective happens to take the case. She joins forces with another female detective and together they face not only trying to track what appears to be a serial rapist, but all the road blocks from their male colleagues.
The Fall, series on TVNZ on Demand. This series truly encompasses the genre of psychological thriller. It’s super intriguing and had me on the edge of my seat (with my blanket over my eyes) for almost every episode. I’m not usually into scary, but I loved the sassy lead detective played excellently by Gillian Anderson who is tracking a serial killer played by Jamie Dornan while also dealing with the male-dominated police force. There’s a massive plot twist, but is it a plot twist?! Even the story line messes with you.
I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Check out all the media headlines in women’s sport for the week of 10th September right here.
Alida Shanks 