TeaTime x Drew's Little Yellow Book: Women Directors

Drew's Pick:

Director: Amy Heckerling 

Drew LOVES a coming-of-age tale because each one reminds her of youthful optimism and adventure. Cameron Crowe wrote about it after going undercover at a high school, which reminds Drew of her “Never Been Kissed” character! 

MOOD: In need of mischief and teenage antics 

GENRE: Coming-of-age dramedy film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Risky Business 

STREAM HERE

Dakota's Pick:

Director: Andrea Arnold 

“American Honey” illuminates the desperation of someone trying to survive in America with all odds stacked against them. Dakota feels that “American Honey” illuminates the resilience of the human spirit. 

MOOD: In need of hope 

GENRE: Coming-of-age drama road trip film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: The Florida Project 

STREAM HERE

Drew's Pick:

Director: Drew Barrymore 

Elliot Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore, Juliette Lewis, Jimmy Fallon...Talk about a star-studded cast! Drew assembled roller-blading avengers for this tale of finding yourself amidst all odds stacked against you. Drew hopes that the film inspires everyone to pursue discovering their chosen family and their passions. 

MOOD: In need of breaking the mold 

GENRE: Sports dramedy film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Bridesmaids 

STREAM HERE

Dakota's Pick:

Director: Katherine Bigelow 

Kathryn Bigelow brought a fascinating crime film to life in “Point Break.” The film stars icons Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze at their hunky prime, facing off against one another in a FBI agent – crime ring leader showdown. As Keanu’s character gets a little too close to the target of his operation, things get complicated.  

MOOD: In need of suspense 

GENRE: Action crime drama film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Speed 

STREAM HERE

Drew's Pick:

Director: Patty Jenkins 

“Monster” turns heads. When it first came out, EVERYONE in Hollywood (and beyond) was watching. Drew loves how edgy and visceral this movie is – it doesn’t shy away from difficult themes and storylines. The film was legendary director Patty Jenkins’ directorial debut, and she has since taken over Hollywood. 

MOOD: In need of revenge 

GENRE: Biographical crime drama film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Girl, Interrupted 

STREAM HERE

Dakota's Pick:

Director: Janicza Bravo 

Based on a viral Twitter thread, “Zola” follows the story of one stripper who gets dragged into a dramatic saga of trust, pimps, luxury, robbery, heartbreak, and more. You truly won’t believe what happens from one moment to the next in the wild ride that is “Zola.” 

MOOD: In need of a new, refreshing cinematic experience 

GENRE: Dark comedy crime drama film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Uncut Gems 

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Drew's Pick:

Director: Niki Caro 

This film illuminates a “Nevertheless, she persisted” narrative of a young indigenous girl named Paikea wanting to be chief of her tribe, a leadership role that traditionally doesn’t go to a woman. Drew appreciates how the story demonstrates how one can overcome complex family dynamics in pursuit of happiness. 

MOOD: In need of an inspiring leadership tale 

GENRE: Coming-of-age adventure film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Free Willy 

STREAM HERE

Dakota's Pick:

Director: Alma Har’el 

“Honey Boy” follows the story of a child star who grapples with the emotional path and toll left by his alcoholic father. It’s evident to Dakota that Alma Har’el put her heart and soul and incredible artistic voice into every inch of this masterpiece. 

MOOD: In need of a gritty roller coaster 

GENRE: Family coming-of-age drama 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Beautiful Boy 

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Drew's Pick:

Director: Chantal Akerman 

This cult classic film is a favorite of Drew’s as it offers a slice of life window into the day-to-day of a French housewife. The film follows one woman’s daily routine and how one change to the routine causes major consequences. “Jeanne Dielman” often makes “Best films of all time” lists, and this one is no exception. 

MOOD: In need of a foreign escape 

GENRE: French slice of life arthouse cult classic film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: A Woman Under the Influence 

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Dakota's Pick: 

Director: Michaela Coel 

Thought-provoking and one-of-a-kind, I May Destroy You is a must-see, and Drew and Dakota can't recommend it enough. Created by and starring Micaela Coel, I May Destroy You follows Arabella, who is putting the pieces of her life back together after a traumatic experience. 

(Drew discussed the series during a recent interview with Paris Hilton.) 

MOOD: In need of a semi-biographical thoughtful piece 

GENRE: British drama, limited series  

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: The Normal Heart 

STREAM HERE

Drew's Bonus Pick: 

Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal 

“The Lost Daughter” confronts a not-too-oft-told narrative about the pressures women face as young mothers. Maggie Gyllenhaal’s artistic touch delighted Drew, as it was clearly made from a place that examined the wide-ranging complexities of motherhood. 

MOOD: In need of an emotionally-charged tale 

GENRE: Psychological drama film 

WATCH IF YOU LOVED: Kramer vs. Kramer 

STREAM HERE