The evolution of female leads in cinema has been a wild ride, filled with both thrilling highs and disappointing lows, much like a Hollywood roller coaster. We've witnessed some incredible, complex female characters over the decades, but recent years have also delivered a fair share of poorly written female leads. These characters often feel like cardboard cutouts or mere plot devices rather than fully developed individuals. In this piece, I'm taking a humorous yet critical look at this issue, comparing modern poorly written female leads to their more nuanced counterparts from the '80s, '90s, and 2000s. We’ll dive into five examples that highlight the differences, showcasing how far we've come—and how far we still have to go.
Beatrix/the Bride in "Kill Bill" (Good Writing)
Beatrix Kiddo, also known as "The Bride," is a masterclass in revenge-driven storytelling. She’s a deadly assassin with a tragic backstory, hell-bent on avenging those who wronged her. Despite her extraordinary skills, she’s also deeply human, wrestling with her past and her desire to reunite with her daughter. Quentin Tarantino’s writing, paired with Uma Thurman’s performance, creates a character who is as sympathetic as she is formidable.
Aurora Lane in *Passengers* (Bad Writing)
Aurora Lane’s character starts with promise—a journalist with big dreams of exploring a new world. But her arc takes a nosedive when the plot reveals that Jim (Chris Pratt) essentially dooms her to a life of isolation in space because he’s lonely. Instead of delving into the moral and psychological complexities of this situation, the film quickly glosses over it, reducing Aurora to a romantic interest who inexplicably forgives the man who ruined her life. It’s a textbook case of a female character being written to serve the male protagonist’s emotional needs rather than having her own agency.
Sarah Connor in *Terminator* (Good Writing)
Sarah Connor’s transformation from a frightened waitress to a hardened warrior is one of cinema's great character arcs. In *The Terminator*, she’s a relatable everywoman thrust into extraordinary circumstances. By *Terminator 2*, she’s evolved into a fierce protector, preparing her son for a future war against machines. Her complexity—balancing vulnerability, maternal instincts, and sheer toughness—makes her a standout character.
Rey in the "Star Wars Trilogy" (Bad Writing)
Rey started off strong in *The Force Awakens*, but her development over the trilogy was inconsistent. She was often criticized for being a "Mary Sue"—a character who is overly competent and lacks flaws. Her rapid mastery of the Force and combat skills, with little explanation or struggle, left many fans feeling disconnected. Rey's backstory and motivations were not fully fleshed out, making her journey feel less impactful.
Moana (Good Writing)
Moana is a breath of fresh air in the Disney heroine lineup, breaking the mold of traditional princesses. She’s adventurous, curious, and determined to save her people. Moana's journey is one of self-discovery and leadership, and she faces challenges with resilience and courage. The film expertly balances her strengths and vulnerabilities, making her a relatable and inspiring character.
Captain Marvel (Bad Writing)
While *Captain Marvel* was a landmark film for featuring the MCU’s first solo female superhero, Carol Danvers faced criticism for being underdeveloped. Despite her power and confidence, she lacked depth and relatability. The film leaned heavily on her powers instead of exploring her personality, motivations, and vulnerabilities. Carol often came across as stoic and unrelatable, making it difficult for audiences to connect with her.
Trinity in *The Matrix* (Good Writing)
Trinity is a cyber-warrior who radiates confidence and strength. She’s a crucial part of the resistance against the machines, skilled in combat and hacking. What sets Trinity apart is her partnership with Neo; she’s not just a love interest or sidekick but a vital player in the story. Her relationship with Neo is built on mutual respect and admiration, making her a strong, independent character in her own right.
Dr. Elizabeth Shaw in *Prometheus* (Bad Writing)
Dr. Elizabeth Shaw starts off as a promising character—a scientist with a strong belief in the potential of finding humanity's creators. However, her character quickly becomes overshadowed by the film’s convoluted plot and spectacle. Instead of allowing Shaw to fully develop, the movie sidelines her emotional and intellectual journey in favor of exploring the mystery of the Engineers. By the end, she feels more like a plot device to set up sequels than a fully realized character. (Spoiler: She’s killed off-screen in the sequel.)
One of the most glaring issues with poorly written modern female leads is their lack of complexity. In the past, characters like Ripley and Sarah Connor were given rich backstories, clear motivations, and room for growth. They were allowed to be flawed and vulnerable, making them relatable. In contrast, many modern female leads are either flawless and invincible or merely serving the male protagonist's narrative. This lack of depth makes it challenging for audiences to connect with them on a meaningful level.
Earlier female leads often had significant agency. They made their own choices, drove the plot forward, and weren’t merely reactive. Modern missteps, however, often depict female characters as passive, with their actions dictated by the needs of the male characters around them. Characters like Trinity and Clarice Starling had their own goals and desires, independent of the male leads, making them feel like fully realized individuals.
The best female leads resonate emotionally with the audience. They have clear emotional arcs, face challenges, and undergo growth. Characters like Beatrix Kiddo and Sarah Connor are compelling not just because of their physical prowess but because they embark on emotional journeys that make them feel real. Modern poorly written leads often lack this emotional depth, making it hard for audiences to care about their fates.
The portrayal of female leads in modern films often struggles with depth and complexity compared to the iconic characters of the '80s, '90s, and 2000s. While there have been notable missteps, there are also shining examples of well-crafted female characters in contemporary cinema. To create more engaging and relatable female leads, filmmakers must focus on developing characters with agency, flaws, and rich narratives. By celebrating and supporting well-written female characters, we can ensure a future where women in film are portrayed with the depth and nuance they deserve. After all, the last thing we need is another cardboard cutout of a female lead—unless she’s wielding a sword made of pure awesomeness, in which case, bring it on!
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