Women's Studies

Women's Studies is a unique and captivating cinematic experience directed by Lonnie Martin that transcends the constraints of conventional genre classification. Released in 2010, the movie effortlessly blends elements of horror, drama, and thriller genres, providing a cold but irresistible lure into a woman-centric milieu, in which confronting narratives of authority, patriarchy, and power are unfurled. With its nuanced performances and intelligent subtext, the film offers a dramatically chilling look into an unusual female empowerment group and is not for the fainthearted viewer.

The narrative centers around Marybeth, a near-pregnant doctoral candidate, portrayed by Cindy Marie Martin, studying Women's Literature. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself drawn into a tight-knit community of women who call their organization an "empowerment group." While the intentions underlying the formation of this group – striking out against misogyny, fighting for equality, and promoting female empowerment – initially appear noble, sinister undertones soon emerge. The group is led by the femme fatale, Phyllis, played to manipulative perfection by Judith O'Dea, who slowly reveals the deeply disturbing and dark side of this society.

Marybeth's journey into an unnerving world of indoctrination and malevolence is further complicated by her strained relationship with her mother. Tara Garwood enacts the role of Marybeth's mother with remarkable finesse. Their dysfunctional and volatile relationship adds multiple complex layers to the narrative, subtly exposing the group's malevolent intentions and their broader implications for individuality, feminism, and human liberty.

Women's Studies sets itself apart by presenting enticing contrasts. It deftly juxtaposes the world of academic feminism, symbolized by Marybeth, with the harsh practicality of grassroots movement out in a secluded farmhouse. The boundaries between these worlds blur as Marybeth's academic presentations are intercut with scenes of the group’s heightened rhetoric and eerie rituals, hauntingly brought to life by director Lonnie Martin’s atmospheric cinematography. The film portrays a chilling misinterpretation of feminist philosophy, taking it to the extremes, serving as both a critique and cautionary tale against radicalism.

Beyond its ambitious plot, the film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast. Judith O'Dea, well-known for her role in George A. Romero's classic zombie flick, "Night of The Living Dead," shines as the alpha-female Phyllis. She sensitively handles the dual shades of her character – a nurturing mother figure on one end and a manipulative, authoritarian leader on the other - feasting on the audience's fear and confusion. Cindy Marie Martin, as Marybeth, delivers a heart-wrenching performance that ebbs and flows in sync with her character’s moral dilemma and fear. Tara Garwood's portrayal of the troubled mother-daughter relationship with Marybeth adds layers of emotional heaviness to the plot, influencing the narrative's direction and accelerating its pace.

The film impresses with its keen attention to detail in set design and skillful shot composition, encapsulating the claustrophobic atmosphere and a sense of unsettling dread that permeates the narrative. Its accurate portrayal of the academic world through detailed depictions of classroom scenarios, extensive research, and intellectual dialogue establish the film’s credibility. The cinematography in Women's Studies should not be understated; the director of photography, Andres Karu, does a commendable job of capturing the disturbing reality that unfolds within the group.

The dextrously woven narrative tactfully tips the scales from drama to horror, making the transition so subtle that the viewers might not notice the shift until they are knee-deep in fear and gripping their seat. The film serves as a provocative social commentary on the dangers of radicalism in any form, whether it be feminism, patriarchy, or anything in between, making it a compelling watch.

Women's Studies challenges its viewers to question authority and think critically about the boundaries of feminism. It’s a disturbing, thought-provoking journey into the realm of female empowerment gone astray, and into the unsettling effects of an ideological revolution that blatantly undermines individualism and free thought. This film not only entertains but also stimulates intellectual understanding, prompting viewers to confront their thoughts about feminism and its limits. The hauntingly eerie music and suspenseful elements increase the emotional distress in the viewers, making Women's Studies a movie that stays with one long after the viewing.