Misbehaviour

Misbehaviour is a captivating historical drama that was featured first in 2020. The movie stars renown actors such as Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Jessie Buckley under the masterful direction of Philippa Lowthorpe. Misbehaviour takes the audience back to a time when women's movements were beginning to resonate towards global consciousness, focusing specifically on the controversial 1970 Miss World competition, held in London.

The movie ingenely interweaves two disparate but ultimately convergent storylines. The first highlights the struggles of the females in the Women’s Liberation Movement, showcasing their battle against the discrimination and stereotypical roles allocated to women, whilst advocating for gender equality. The movement, in which Knightley's character plays a central role, is indignant towards the worldwide beauty pageant that seems to flauntingly objectify women.

Simultaneously, it dwells on the upbeat yet tense happenings behind-the-scenes of the 1970 Miss World competition. This beauty contest, watched by more than 100 million viewers globally, was one of the most-watched programs at that time. It became more controversial when, somewhat ironically, Miss Sweden was expected to win, but instead, the more diversified contestants from Grenada and South Africa collected the accolades. Mbatha-Raw's character, Jennifer Hosten from Grenada, endeavours to win the contest, intending to break the prevailing racial biases and create history by becoming the first black woman to win Miss World.

Keira Knightley stars as Sally Alexander, a history student who is initially sceptical about joining the Women's Liberation Movement, but eventually becomes an active, passionate member. As a single mother pursuing an advanced degree, Sally constantly battles sexism from her male colleagues, inspiring her to join the movement to bring about a change in the society.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw plays Jennifer Hoston (Miss Grenada), a poised and determined woman, aware of the societal and political significance her victory could bring about. As a contestant representing a small, recently independent country, relying on the power of her beauty and intellect, she aches for the opportunity to challenge international stereotypes about black women, making her character both

Jessie Buckley portrays Jo Robinson, a fiery activist in the Women's Liberation Movement. Her character is the catalyst that inspires Sally to join the movement. Jo embodies the drive and audacity, actively voicing out against any discriminatory practices and doesn't hesitate to take extreme measures to achieve her goal.

Produced by Suzanne Mackie and Sarah-Jane Wheale, Misbehaviour isn't merely a witty, entertaining movie. It poses critical questions about society's perception of beauty, emphasizing the importance of diversity and equality. The film deftly unravels the controversies, resistance, and protests that marked the historic 1970 Miss World competition.

The screenplay by Gaby Chiappe and Rebecca Frayn aptly captures the zeitgeist of the era, gracefully exhibiting the contradictions between the pageantry and the protests. The masterful direction by Philippa Lowthorpe ensures that the film avoids over-simplifying or overselling the social issues at the movie's heart. It maintains a delicate balance, allowing the audiences to dwell on the serious realities of the time while enjoying the satirical elements it presents.

Furthermore, the production design by Cristina Casali impeccably recreates the 70s' atmosphere and the glamour of the Miss World competition, garnering an immersive viewing experience. The cinematography and the performances, too, are commendable, contributing to the brilliance of the film.

In conclusion, Misbehaviour presents a fascinating blend of drama, history, and comedy. It brilliantly showcases a pivotal point in women's history, while simultaneously addressing societal issues of sexism and racism, still prevalent today. The movie is filled with moments of levity amid its grave narrative, presenting the audience with a thought-provoking, entertaining cinematic experience.

Offering outstanding performances from Knightley, Mbatha-Raw, Buckley and the rest of the cast, Misbehaviour provides a delightful feast for movie lovers who appreciate strong characters, engaging plotlines and relevant social themes. While revisiting a significant chapter in women's liberation, Misbehaviour serves as a gentle reminder that the pursuit for equality, regardless of gender or race, is still very much a current and ongoing fight.