Daughters of Lesbos

Daughters of Lesbos is a 1968 cult classic exploitation film directed by Peter Woodcock. This provocative film swept audiences off their feet with its daring and taboo subject matter. Geri Miller, Linda Boyce, and Jo Sweet, take center stage as the film's main characters. Far from a traditional narrative, the movie takes a deviant look at the fledgling women's rights movement juxtaposed with subversive feminist ideology.

The film tells the story of an unusual group of young women who form an exclusive club, known as “Daughters of Lesbos,” united by their disillusionment with men and society. Emphasizing their rebellion against social norms, their shared frustration and mutual experiences as women lay the groundwork for a man-hating sect. Despite the film's title, it's important to note that the use of the term "Lesbos" does not strictly denote sexual orientation. It's more symbolic, referencing the Greek island Lesbos where the famous poetess Sappho wrote passionately about women and their experiences.

The plot meanders through episodic arcs that center around each woman in the group, exploring their backgrounds, motivations, and the emotional trauma that pushed them away from societal norms. The performances of Geri Miller, Linda Boyce, and Jo Sweet are both raw and nuanced, providing a stark look at what it means to be a woman in a patriarchal society.

Miller’s character is a woman who is deeply scarred by the infidelity and abuse of her erstwhile lover. This personal narrative is the genesis of her mistrust and loathing for men, kindling the radical philosophy behind the club. With her striking performance, Miller paints a stark portrait of a wounded woman, seeking an alternative to the confines of traditional relationships.

Boyce, on the other hand, provides a balanced and more composed portrayal of a woman who turns to the group for solace. Rejected and denigrated by her family for her nonconformity, Boyce’s character brings in a more grounded perspective to the narrative. Her narrative weaves through this tumultuous journey, showcasing the complexities of her character’s evolution from a wronged individual to an impassioned rebel.

The versatile Jo Sweet captures a different aspect of the story. Her character is more mystical, religious, and superstitious. She, too, carries the invisible scars of abuse and violence, which have pushed her into the arms of this alternative society. Sweet's acting adds a layer of, surrealism and enigma to the plot, enriching it with her convincing performance.

The film also explores the lives of other women who join Daughters of Lesbos—each with their own struggles and paths that led them to this unconventional sisterhood. As the individual narratives unfold, the film becomes a daring discourse on masculinity, patriarchy, and the forms of oppression they engender.

The direction by Peter Woodcock is bold and genre-defying, with a heavy influence of avant-garde filmmaking. Experimenting with unconventional narratives, Woodcock takes on a rebellious stance with visually striking and nearly surreal sequences that infuse this exploration of women's liberation with a distinct, unmistakable flavor. His take on feminism renounces the traditional paint-by-numbers storytelling to bring forth a movie that is as fascinating as it is mystifying.

Daughters of Lesbos is a significant film of its time with its dark and daring look at women, their rights, and their collective struggle. It certainly does not fit into the typical mold of feminist films from the 1960s. It’s transgressive, discomfiting, and an essential piece of feminist and queer cinema, with substantiated performances from the likes of Miller, Boyce, and Sweet. The film is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in exploring the counterculture and subversive feminist content of the late 60s. It paints a vivid portrait of a time and a movement caught up in the throes of radical change, with as much grit as raw emotion.