The Misandrists

The Misandrists is a 2017 film directed by Bruce LaBruce, a Canadian filmmaker known for his work that often explores themes of sexuality, gender, and society. The film is a satirical exploration of radical feminism and lesbian separatism, set in a remote country house that serves as the base for the Female Liberation Army (FLA), a group dedicated to overthrowing the patriarchy and establishing a matriarchal world order. The narrative unfolds as the FLA harbors a wounded male leftist fugitive, creating tension and conflict within the group as they debate his fate and the principles of their cause.

Plot

The story is set in Ger(wo)many, where a group of radical feminists, led by Big Mother, operates a school for girls as a front for their more subversive activities aimed at dismantling the patriarchal society. The arrival of Volker, a male leftist on the run, challenges the group's cohesion. Discovered by two students, Isolde and Hilde, who decide to hide him in the basement, the presence of a man within the FLA's sanctuary sparks a series of ideological confrontations and personal revelations. As the FLA plans a significant operation to broadcast their manifesto to the world, the tensions between the members regarding sexuality, loyalty, and the role of men in their vision of a new society come to a head.

Themes

The film delves into several themes central to feminist and queer discourse, including but not limited to:

• Radical Feminism: The FLA embodies the extreme measures some might consider necessary to eradicate male dominance in society.
• Lesbian Separatism: The FLA's commitment to creating a world without men highlights the concept of lesbian separatism as both a political and personal stance.
• Gender and Sexuality: The presence of a man within the FLA's ranks and the characters' diverse sexual orientations challenge binary notions of gender and sexuality.
• Ideological Purity vs. Human Complexity: The characters' struggles with their feelings for Volker and each other illustrate the conflict between strict ideological adherence and the complexities of human emotion and desire.

Reception

The Misandrists received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film for its bold exploration of feminist themes and its satirical take on radical movements, while others criticized it for its execution and perceived lack of depth in character development and narrative coherence. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film has been discussed for its contribution to conversations around feminism, gender, and sexuality in cinema.

See Also

• Feminist film theory
• Lesbian feminism
• Queer cinema
• Bruce LaBruce