Finding bisexual representation on film is much more difficult than finding it on television. While we still have a long way to go in both mediums, television is ahead of film in terms of diversity.
There is more at stake with big-budget movies that don’t work and often Hollywood isn’t willing to step outside its comfort zone which is unfortunate since it has been proven multiple times that audiences are receptive. That said, there are still some movies out there with excellent bisexual female characters and we’re taking a look at 10 of our favorites.
Jennifer Check from Jennifer’s Body
When Jennifer’s Body was first released, it was largely panned by critics and audiences. However, years later and Jennifer’s Body has become something of a cult classic. Many have finally appreciated the campy nature of the movie and the fun performances from Amanda Seyfried and Megan Fox. Both characters are technically portrayed as bisexual.
One of Jennifer’s lines is “I go both ways,” although she’s talking about eating people. It’s maybe not the most positive representation as there are some issues, but this one is a personal favorite and many in the community love this movie.
Ramona Flowers from Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
Ramona’s sexuality isn’t explicitly addressed in the movie, they don’t label it, but at least one of her exes is a woman. Scott has to face-off against all of Ramona’s exes in this fun action comic-book film. Her ex-girlfriend, Roxie Richter is a formidable opponent.
Despite not saying Ramona is bisexual they do joke with the terminology, Roxie calls herself “bi-furious.” Ramona is played by notable actress Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Her career has skyrocketed since it helps the character’s popularity.
Lorraine Broughton from Atomic Blonde
Atomic Blonde was sort of the feminist answer to James Bond, since Charlize Theron becomes the platinum blonde super spy with incredibly assassination skills. She is also bisexual as she has a female love interest in the movie while having had a male one in the past. It was nice to see a powerful woman like her be bisexual and also the star of the movie.
Again, there were some issues with the depiction of bisexuality in this movie and its over-sexualization of the leads, in addition to killing her love interest brutally. Still, the movie was an epic moment for us to be seen on the big screen in a mainstream action flick.
Ronit Krushka from Disobedience
Disobedience was a critically-acclaimed romantic drama based on the novel of the same name written by Naomi Alderman. Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams played the main characters, Ronit and Esti.
Ronit is bisexual and returns to the Orthodox Jewish community she was raised in after her father’s death. Esti is a lesbian but married to a man due to the rules of the community. But Ronit and Esti fell in love when they were younger and their affair is reignited when they meet again as adults.
Why from Les Biches
Les Biches is a 1968 French-Italian drama film about two women, Frédérique and an artist named “Why.” Frédérique seduces Why and the two begin an illicit affair. Eventually, both women are compelled by a man named Paul.
It may sound like this is a bad example of bisexuality but in reality, the movie is a surprising journey of a power play between two bisexual women at the height of their sexuality. The film focuses far more on them and their motives then it does on the character of Paul.
Valkyrie from Marvel Cinematic Universe
Tessa Thompson was introduced as Valkyrie in the highly-praised Thor: Ragnarok. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet seen Valkyrie’s bisexuality represented on-screen. However, both Tessa and Ragnarok director Taika Waititi have specifically referenced to Valkyrie as bisexual. Coincidentally, her comic counterpart is also bi.
Originally, there was going to be a scene in the film that showed Valkyrie was bi but it was deleted. Recently, Marvel officially confirmed that Valkyrie would, in fact, be the first major LGBT hero in the cinematic universe. We will see her sexuality represented in the upcoming film, Thor: Love and Thunder.
Rachel from Imagine Me and You
Rachel, played by Piper Perabo, is set to get married but on her wedding day, she meets the illustrious Luce (Lena Headey). Despite her marriage, Rachel cannot deny her growing affection towards Luce and the two eventually begin having an affair.
It’s unfortunate that most movies about bisexual women involve some element of cheating but Imagine Me and You is a surprisingly fun and heartwarming romantic comedy film. There are so few of these about women falling in love, sadly.
Margot Tenenbaum from The Royal Tenenbaums
This is only a brief example, unfortunately, but Margot did indeed have a relationship with a woman in her past. This Wes Anderson movie is a cult favorite and follows three siblings who were immensely talented as children, only for them to grow up into disappointments.
Margot is a spirited woman and many people refer to her as one of their favorite film characters. If you are familiar with Anderson’s style, you’ll be fond of the ironic sense of humor found throughout the film.
Shirin from Appropriate Behavior
Desiree Akhavan directed, wrote, and starred in this movie as a bisexual woman struggling to figure out her world after she breaks up with a long-time girlfriend, Maxine. For a while, Shirin (Akhavan) tries to follow Maxine and reignite their relationship as she is still confused about who she is and what she wants.
Eventually, Shirin finds the strength to come out to her family to varying degrees of success. Appropriate Behavior is a poignant film with a bisexual woman at the heart and a focus on her finding her identity.
Jessica Stein from Kissing Jessica Stein
Kissing Jessica Stein may not be the happiest movie on this list depending on if you’re rooting for the main relationship, but it is a tender and honest portrayal of a bisexual woman. Jessica finds herself falling in love with Helen after answering an ad in a paper.
Their relationship is a whirlwind of sex, romance, and passion, but eventually, Jessica finds she cannot give Helen what she wants. The two break-up and Helen moves on, but they maintain a friendship. In the end, Jessica decides to date a new guy named Josh.
