You can call me a sucker for loving underdog/coming-of-age/women empowerment films, and I will gladly embrace the title. For the 2021 SXSW film festival premiere of “Women is Losers,” Director/Producer/Screenwriter Lissette Feliciano delivered a film that pulled me in, and I couldn’t let go.
Set during the time of the 1960’s San Francisco era, Catholic school girl Celina Guerrera (Lorenza Izzo) teaches us that women of color have to go through so many obstacles in America to survive and take care of our family. Let alone the family issues that infiltrate our lives to further distract us from being victorious and worthy in a country designed to tear us apart.
“Was it a bad choice, or was I not given the safety of making an informed decision?” This is the quote that hit me in the gut and spoke volumes to the judgment, so many young people and even adults face when they’ve never been taught the fundamental rules of life. Actress Chrissie Fit shined within her scenes and filled them with a burst of deep laughter. The unequivocal anguish her body endured is traumatic and a reminder that a young woman should never bear this type of pain.
When Celina Guerrera (Lorenza Izzo) loses her BFF and decides to walk through the shame others have placed on her, a new path of courage appears. Therefore transforming the film to a new height of resistance that is felt deeply in the soul. Domestic violence also rears its ugly head as another divisive mechanism built to break a woman down and cast her as a weak vessel.
As a fan of Actress Liza Weil (How To Get Away With Murder), her characterization from coldhearted to ally in the film fit perfectly, and it warmed my heart. Citing proof that a true friend will show up when we least expect it is authentic girl power in action.
Many themes and historical context applications presented in this film haunt the vibrancy of being a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) woman in America today. Fast-forwarding past the 1960’s and 1970’s, if you’ve ever attempted to get a mortgage loan in the 21st century as a single woman and faced discriminatory practices, this movie hits home too. Especially when you’re more than qualified, yet the people holding the pen don’t look like you and try to stop you from reaching your homeownership dreams.
Overall I felt seen after watching this movie. The first and second person point of view spread throughout the film provided innuendos I didn’t expect but enjoyed. The power of perseverance, believing in yourself, and never giving up are vital messages taken away from this film.
“Women is Losers” started off my 2021 SXSW experience with a bang that is very much appreciated.
