This list is sure to frustrate some bisexual women, and definitely, there’s something to be explored with that topic as well. Your concerns are valid. I get it—me saying these movies are lesbian movies eats away at bisexual representation, and that sucks. What also sucks is having maybe a handful of movies with actual lesbians on the screen. It’s lose-lose, essentially. The solution, as always, is more representation. In the meantime, I write with lesbians in mind.
Typically, films set in the past have a better chance of accurate lesbian depictions--male audiences are less upset by a movie if the women they can’t have exist in the past rather than the present. These films are not without criticisms—often, because of the time period, social standards equate to unhappy endings, and as with a lot of period pieces in general, these films could benefit from greater diversity. I understand not wanting to watch film after film about a white couple, but taking all that into consideration, the following films are some of the best featuring women in love and in costume. Fried Green Tomatoes Ruth and Idgie forever. Especially Idgie. Artistry: The scenes taking place in the present tend to feel a bit dated, but it’s all still massively enjoyable. Watchability: High. Watch it with friends, watch it alone, and if your mom’s a homophobe, watch it with her. The lesbian love story is subtle enough without queer-baiting audiences. If These Walls Could Talk 2 A 2000 anthology film directed in equal parts by Jane Anderson, Martha Coolidge, and Anne Heche, If These Walls Could Talk 2 tells the story of three pairs of lesbian couples through the years. The first section will devastate you, the second will make you think and third will make you want to dance along with the main characters. Artistry: Pretty high quality as far as TV movies are concerned. Watchability: 9/10. I can’t promise that you’ll be able to see Elizabeth Perkins the same way after watching this. See also: Carol, The Color Purple, Tipping the Velvet, The Hours