As a woman who aspires to be a director and wants deeply to succeed in film, seeing other women do the same is inspiring, yet sadly underappreciated. Female directors continuously get little to no applause. To counter that, I’ve compiled a list of some underrated — and one historically groundbreaking — female directors that you should definitely check out sometime soon.
1 | Anna Biller – “The Love Witch”
My most recently watched film was Anna Biller’s “The Love Witch,” and it was such a delight. The 2016 film is entirely an homage to 1960s Technicolor melodramas — shot on 35mm — and so meticulously crafted it’s hard to believe it was made in the last decade. Biller bends time to create a whimsical, witchy atmosphere that feels pulled from another era. The plot is minimal — following a self-absorbed witch who repeatedly spells men into loving her — but the film thrives more on mood than momentum. Like so-called “nothing happens” films, it builds meaning through image and aesthetic rather than action. Samantha Robinson is mesmerizing in the lead role, perfectly embodying the era through performance, stunning makeup and beautiful costuming. From the intricately designed sets to the saturated color palette, every frame feels intentional. Even if slow-burn films aren’t your thing, it’s worth watching simply to see a director execute a singular vision with such passion and precision.
2 | Jennie Livingston – “Paris is Burning”
Jennie Livingston is a documentary director and most known for her excellent work, “Paris is Burning.” This documentary is an absolute must see and explores the New York City ballroom scene of the late 1980s. Balls are shows where mostly Black and Latino people of various LGBTQ+ identities would go to perform. The queer youth, drag queens and mothers of the various ball houses highlighted throughout the documentary give such in-depth insight to the wonderful world of ball. The documentary also sheds light on how these balls shaped many aspects of modern culture, slang and more. Livingston does a phenomenal job at emphasizing not only the culture of ball itself, but also how important balls are to popular culture as a whole. I first watched it in my intro to film class last semester, and it was riveting. As someone who doesn’t seek out documentary watching, I was pleasantly surprised by how heartfelt, real and informative this piece was. “Paris is Burning” deserves so much praise, and Jennie Livingston deserves so much recognition for such humanizing filmmaking that really takes a special person to create.
3 | Zelda Williams – “Lisa Frankenstein”
“Lisa Frankenstein” is one of my all-time favorite films, and that is mostly thanks to Zelda Williams’ fresh way of directing. Much like “The Love Witch,” every frame is filled with quirky coloring, full of intention and dripping with style. The 80s neon mixed with classic gothic Frankenstein flair is addictive. For her first feature debut, Williams makes wonderful use of Diablo Cody’s — of “Juno” and “Jennifer’s Body” fame — eccentric craft of script. With a soundtrack full of 80s hits, Lisa’s transition to gothic attire and its many homages to old monster films, you’re sure to have a good time. The black-and-white dream sequence truly hasn’t left my mind since I watched it in 2024. And who doesn’t love a good “A Trip to the Moon” reference? Williams’ debut feature is one I could only describe as an underrated gem that’ll become a cult classic in a few years time, much like Diablo Cody’s other written work. Even if that day of proper praise doesn’t come, I’ll still be enjoying this masterpiece, and I highly recommend you do, too.
“Pariah” was another film I watched in my intro to film class last semester, which dives into themes of Black identity, sexuality and the struggle of not fitting in. Dee Rees, being a Black lesbian herself, is able to accurately tell an undeniably real story of a Black teenage lesbian coming of age. The diverse story is told very well and is dripping with heart. I could feel the emotions behind it. It’s deeply personal— the kind of story that makes visual art so important. Through “Pariah,” we step into the struggles of people like Dee Rees and how they’re able to overcome. Moreover, Rees is the first African American woman to ever be nominated for a Best Adapted Screenplay for her other film, “Mudbound.” Filmmaking is a medium to step inside someone else’s eyes for a bit, and nobody does it like Dee Rees. I can’t stress enough how personal her film “Pariah” is. It is an essential watch.
5 | Chloé Zhao – “Hamnet”
While I haven’t seen Hamnet yet, I really want to since Chloé Zhao is making history for women in film time and time again. Previously, Zhao won Best Director and Best Picture for the 2021 Oscars with “Nomadland.” Zhao’s win at the time was historic, being literally the second woman ever to win Best Director. Now, there are three. Additionally, Zhao’s 2021 win made her the first woman of color to win Best Director. Zhao is once again nominated for Best Director this year and Best Adapted Screenplay for “Hamnet.” While I haven’t seen the film yet, I’ve heard nothing but praise. Women in directing roles are clearly a very underrated achievement. Anyone who is able to break past these barriers and succeed like Zhao is worthy of high regard.
Heidi likes to write about film, pop culture and all things spooky. Email her at [email protected].