Gone are the times when movies and TV shows painted pictures of a damsel in distress and a heroic character to ‘save’ her. With a strong emphasis on strong female characters, cinema has ushered in a wave of change, and we’re here for it. From Jessica Pearson in Suits to Sutton Brady and her feminist army in The Bold Type, these fictional characters have got us hooked and how!
Kat Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You
With extremely high standards for herself, Kat Stratford from this classic '90s rom-com enabled young women across the globe to enter the new century armed with a strong feminist attitude. Her sentences injected with sly sarcasm, quick-witted replies, and her nonconforming attitude has stuck with viewers through the ages.
Our Favourite Kat Stratford Quote:
“Expressing my own opinion is not a terrorist action.”
Jessica Pearson in Suits
Played by Gina Torres, Jessica’s character is not just emblematic of a strong, badass woman but also proves that the sky is the limit when it comes to your dreams. A Black woman at the very top position of Manhattan’s most powerful law firm is just the right inspiration we need to get out of bed every morning and get things done.
Our Favourite Jessica Pearson Quote:
“I don’t respond to threats. I make them.”
Fleabag
With a constant fear of being labelled as a ‘bad feminist’, the series deep dives into the journey of a bold, peculiar and sex-obsessed character called Fleabag. Played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Fleabag is loved for her refusal to care too much, not being afraid of the male gaze and understanding that feminism isn’t easy. The show gives an impactful and raw insight into a woman living in today’s contemporary world.
Our Favourite Fleabag Quote:
“Being proper, sweet, nice and pleasing is a nightmare. It’s exhausting.”
Sutton Brady in The Bold Type
Chronicling the lives of three best friends trying to make it big in the world of fashion and media, The Bold Type is a deep exploration of contemporary feminism set in the Big Apple. But one character that truly stands out is Meghann Fahy’s role as Sutton, who embraces her strengths and weaknesses, asks for help exactly when she needs it, is frequently hilarious, strikes a balance between work and personal life and doesn’t believe in making grand statements to reveal her strong, refreshing persona. What we love about her? Her no-filter one-liners.
Our Favourite Sutton Brady Quote:
“This slut-shaming thing you're doing, it's got to stop. We don't tear each other down. Not as women, and definitely not as women of Scarlet."
Mare Sheehan in Mare Of Easttown
Starring Kate Winslet of Titanic fame in the lead of this crime-drama show, Winslet plays the role of Mare Sheehan, a young detective who is trying to solve a murder. In a completely unglamorous look, unlike her previous roles, she makes a strong case for being adamant in situations and getting exactly what you want. Her sheer determination to unravel the mystery is something to watch out for.
Our Favourite Mare Sheehan Quote:
“Doing something great is overrated.”
Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman
Played by the iconic star and Hollywood’s heartthrob Julia Roberts, Pretty Woman is a refreshing take on unconventional love with Roberts in the highlight. Her character appreciates love and affection but at the same time, is not afraid to chase what she wants.
Our Favourite Vivian Ward Quote:
Vivian: “You people work on commission, right?”
Shop assistant: “Yeah.”
Vivian: “Big mistake. Big. Huge.”
Photographs: Instagram
