Moxie (2021)

Moxie, based on the novel by Jennifer Mathieu and directed by the excellent Amy Poehler takes on intersectional feminism in a way that seems inspired by pop-culture and current socio-political issues. Arguably, Moxie takes on A LOT of current socio-political issues in a way that is digestible for audiences of all ages. Moxie tells the story of Vivian (Hadley Robinson) and her Feminist Awakening. Being the daughter of Amy Poehler’s Third Wave Feminist mom character, Vivian takes on the responsibility of a local feminist leader, yet she stays anonymous. Vivian, in desperate need to have something she is wildly passionate about, turns to her mom’s box filled with Bikini Kill CDs and protest gear to find a passion standing up for the women of her school. Cocky harassing white boys, teachers who turn a blind eye, and a principal who is too lazy to do her job and fill out title 9 paperwork are what make this stereotypical high school in need of a feminist makeover. Vivian, in a Bikini Kill-induced rage, creates a Zine called “Moxie” as an anonymous call to action for the women at her school to start taking a stand.

 The women lead ensemble cast for this film brought so much life and intersectionality to this story, so let’s talk about them! Vivian’s BFF Claudia (Lauren Tsai) takes on the shy and smart trope and is generally anxious about the Moxie movement. Regardless, Claudia supports Vivian before she formally reveals herself by helping make Moxie an official club so they can’t get in trouble for hanging posters. Strangely, when Claudia gets in trouble for something that Moxie does, Vivian hangs her head instead of protecting Claudia. Other important members of the inner circle of Moxie include Lucy (Alycia Pascual-Pena), a fierce leader and organizer, Kiera and Amaya (Sydney Park, Anjelika Washington), excellent support and leaders in their own way, and Sean (Nico Hiraga) not only the male ally but also Vivian’s love interest. The character Sean stood out to me as significant in the Moxie movement because he refused to choose to side with his gender and supports Vivian and Moxie instead. Sean, to me, served as a male defense for the film to keep it from seeming like the message was “anti-men” but rather anti-misogyny and anti-rapist. Sean is kind, supportive, and in on Vivian’s secret. What are powerful women without support from a loving partner? I thought they were still pretty powerful, yet Moxie claims otherwise.

Vivian starts out the film believing that if she just keeps her head down, the men who harass women at her school will simply leave her alone. When Lucy looks to Vivian for support, she passes on her perspective and Lucy responds