8 Tantalizing Movies That Explore Bisexuality in Women (And Will Empower You)
Bisexuality is often underrepresented in films but these movies capture the rich complexities of women exploring their sexuality and becoming awakened to the full spectrum of their desires. Here are the eight must-watch films that highlight bisexuality in women in creative ways that may be empowering for viewers on their own road to self-discovery.
Imagine Me and You
Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest moments of your life—unless you meet the actual love of your life right before you physically meet your husband-to-be at the altar that is. Piper Perabo stars as Rachel in this delightfully serendipitous rom-com as she experiences a magnetic attraction and “love at first sight” with wedding guest flower shop owner, Luce, played by Game of Thrones star Lena Headey. Distraught by her true feelings, Rachel tries to keep her composure, but the universe seems to keep bringing her and Luce back together again.
Kissing Jessica Stein
In her search for Mr. Right, twenty-something Jessica Stein finds an intriguing personals ad in the newspaper placed by Helen Cooper, a woman looking to explore her sexuality with other women after a number of unsatisfying trysts with men. As both Jessica and Helen explore their sexuality together and grow closer, sparks fly (albeit awkwardly at first) and both are challenged to delve into their sense of identity, personal growth, and integrate their newfound self-discovery into other facets of their lives.
Jennifer’s Body
A cult classic comedy horror hybrid starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer’s Body wins the realm of bisexuality in film with Jennifer’s comedic line, “I go both ways” in response to the claim that Jennifer only kills high school boys. When popular girl Jennifer is brutalized by a band of men using her for a ritual sacrifice, she is later possessed by a demon that jumpstarts her appetite for human flesh, and begins preying on high school boys as her primary victims. Jennifer’s Body teases the homoerotic attraction between best friends Jennifer and Needy and features one of the most steamiest kisses between two women in film history.
The Runaways
In The Runaways, Kristen Stewart plays young rockstar Joan Jett who has a sexual relationship with her band member Cherie Currie (played by Dakota Fanning). Since the real life Cherie Currie declared that Joan Jett was good in bed, we can assume these aspects of the film are true to life. While explicit sexual labels themselves are not explored much in the film, the journey between these two women as they rise to stardom and strengthen their bond is certainly a tantalizing must-watch for anyone exploring their sexuality, or even just anyone who wants to watch two badass women rise to fame.
Lovesong
In Lovesong, main character Sarah is a stay-at-home mom who is often neglected by her husband who is constantly away on business. When she reconnects with an old college flame from college, Mindy, on a spontaneous road trip, the two reignite a fiery passion between them. Lovesong is a euphoric film about the irresistible nature of first love and missed connections.
Black Swan
Natalie Portman plays Nina Sayers, a timid, controlling, and perfectionistic professional dancer who feels compared and compelled to compete with her carefree and sensual fellow Swan Lake dancer, Lily. Nina appears to experience hallucinations throughout the movie which involve a titillating sexual relationship with Lily that underscores their competition with one another. While Black Swan is more of a psychological thriller than a self-discovery film, it incorporates elements of bisexual awakening and romantic obsession that may resonate with viewers.
Chloe
Chloe is a dark and suspenseful psychological thriller film that explores the hidden desires of doctor Catherine (played by Julianne Moore) who is married to her professor husband David (played by Liam Neeson). When she suspects her husband may be cheating on her, she tests his loyalty by hiring an escort, Chloe (Amanda Seyfried), to try to seduce him. However, this plan backfires when Chloe claims David has engaged in an affair with her and begins to “comfort” Catherine by seducing her, leading Catherine to a new sexual awakening.
Disobedience
Disobedience explores the forbidden romance between childhood friends, New York photographer Ronit and now married woman Esti in the backdrop of a strict Orthodox Jewish community which scapegoats Ronit for getting involved with another woman. This film is a tortured love story about two women who aren’t free to be with the people they love due to the stigmas of society.
Bottoms
Bottoms is a hilarious comedy that explores all shades of sexuality in women and is a fun watch for anyone no matter who you’re attracted to. While Bottoms features two lesbian characters as the main leads of the film who start a fight club for women all as a guise to score points with their crushes and to lose their virginity, it explores potential bisexuality in the women they try to get the attention of. No one can forget the epic distinction that is drawn near the end of the film when one of the characters in the movie proclaims in sudden revelation, “Oh my God! I am gay!” while watching one of the main characters kiss another woman, and another one of these characters melodramatically responds, “I am not. I just like watching gay p*rn.” Given that this pokes fun at what is actually a common phenomenon documented in straight women, Bottoms gets major props for its realness, nuance, and hilarity, and for its wide appeal for a variety of audiences, no matter what sexual orientation you identify with.
Honorary Mention: But I’m A Cheerleader
While this classic comedy starring Natasha Lyonne is not focused on bisexuality since cheerleader Megan identifies as a lesbian and fantasizes about her fellow cheerleaders while kissing her boyfriend Jared, Megan’s journey may still resonate with women on all parts of the spectrum of sexuality including bisexual women. When Megan is forced to go to the conversion therapy camp True Directions by her family, she begins to confront the desires she is trying to repress and eventually comes to accept her sexuality as she pursues a relationship with fellow therapy member Graham. Both have their own unique resistance to their sexuality but overcome it together in this hilarious coming-of-age comedy that appeals to and can empower many diverse audiences regardless of their sexual orientation.
