Feminin/Feminin

Feminin/Feminin is a web series, originally released in 2014 by Chloé Robichaud and Florence Gagnon for Indie Crush. The groundbreaking introspective series offers an intimate glance at the lives of a group of young women based in Montreal, positioning human, believable characters under the spotlight, with their unique psyches and complexities. Notably, Feminin/Feminin defines a new era in LGBTQ+ narratives, primarily focusing on the lesbian community, steering clear of generic hollywood representations.

The series transparently showcases the ladies as they navigate through life, love, friendship, and self-discovery, leading an ordinary life, much like the viewers, thereby offering deeply relatable narratives. The show oscillates seamlessly between comedy and drama to provide scenes and stories brimming with authenticity. The nuanced evolution of the characters over time makes the show compelling, leaving viewers anticipating the next page of each individual’s journey.

Each episode centers around different protagonists, providing a unique glimpse into their individual struggles, relationships, aspirations, and the challenges they face while living in a society that continues to hold onto conservative norms and assumptions about the LGBTQ+ community. Offering broader representation, the series does a commendable job in presenting diverse iterations within the lesbian community and strays away from the monolithic representations often portrayed in mainstream media.

Feminin/Feminin is lauded for its spot-on representation of the easiest and hardest parts of being a woman. The lovely friendship between these individuals and the nuances of their romantic relationships are beautifully depicted in each episode. The starkness of emotions ranging from bliss to break-ups, acceptance to insecurities are all portrayed in a realistic, relatable manner, making the series a compelling watch.

Set against the scenic backdrop of Montreal, the visual beauty of the show is yet another treat to the viewers. With its non-linear narrative structure, the series is more like a puzzle that slowly fits itself together as the audience piece together the interconnected lives of the characters. The candid and natural dialogue stands out as a strength of the series, with the actors showcasing exceptional performances, breathing life into their respective characters.

Behind the screen, Feminin/Feminin stands as a perfect example of strong female-centric storytelling. Director Chloé Robichaud and writer Florence Gagnon present a prodigious balance between the dramatic and everyday elements of the narrative. The series has been praised for its realistic approach and inclusive storytelling, making it a significant contribution to the field of LGBTQ+ narratives.

In conclusion, Indie Crush's Feminin/Feminin beautifully intertwines the realism of mundane life with the complexity of identity, sexuality, and relationships. Its thoughtful and genuine approach in delineating lesbian relationships, alongside a fresh take on progressive narratives, has caught the attention of a global audience. A combination of emotional depth, humor, and reality checks, this series is a significant contribution to the world of feminist narratives and queer cinema. It is a show where women are allowed to be themselves: flawed, strong, sensitive, uncertain, and exploring identities, making it a delight to viewers who seek a humane, realistic portrayal of contemporary lives of women.