Women's Day special: T Magazine's picks of the week
Movie: 20th Century Women
In a liberally minded household, Dorothea Fields, a single mother, tries to find guidance for her son, so she enlists the help of three like-minded women. It is the late '70s, Dorothea fears that her son, without a father figure, might be led astray with the popularity of punk rock. The movie brings a meaningful way into the family and growing up. Exploring the topics of the human condition like death, fear and love. It provides a powerful message of family, and there’s a beauty in the way the characters discuss issues together, giving that untethered advice that isn’t fixated on identity. 20th Century Women gives that timeless wisdom in a brilliantly written story.
Show: The Girl Before
Falling for an architect, Jane finds herself in a rental opportunity with a chance to live in an extravagant house for free, under the condition that she listens to several rules. Upon moving into the place, Jane finds out that there had been a previous tenant, named Emma, that died there under mysterious circumstances. She finds out that she and Emma are identical in their appearances, and with the increasing possessiveness from the architect, Jane needs to uncover the truth surrounding the house and Emma. This is a complex story that needs every bit of your attention.
Song: “King” by Florence + The Machine
This is a song about the sacrifice that women have to take when wanting to pursue careers in comparison to men. Florence talks about loving her “rotten heart” and “dazzling pain” in order to make her work. Eerie and slightly cryptic, the song sheds light on the issues of women needing sacrifice more than men referring to motherhood, marriage and body. The hook of the song, "I am no mother, I am no bride, I am king", shows Florence letting go of labels while anointing herself the title of king. Florence ends the song on an open note on her decision which also gives the listener a chance to decide for themselves.
Book: “Love Marriage: A Novel” by Monica Ali
Drawing close to the wedding day, Yasmin Ghorami is faced with a culture clash and is forced to question the meaning of what a love marriage means. Training to be a doctor, Yasmin finds herself in the middle between her future mother-in-law (a feminist) and her family holding onto their beliefs. The story confronts the lack of synchronicity of two cultures and two families. This novel focuses on the contradictions of life while giving a gripping tale to people who feel too awfully real. It has some surprises and unexpected turns and with an ending that might stay on your mind for a long time.