In recent years, the landscape of cinema has witnessed a remarkable surge in the representation of diverse stories and identities. Among these, UK lesbian movies have emerged as a powerful and compelling genre, capturing the hearts and minds of audiences worldwide. From poignant love stories to thought-provoking narratives of self-discovery, these films have brought the experiences and struggles of LGBTQ+ women in Britain to the forefront of cinematic storytelling. In this article, we invite you to embark on a captivating journey as we delve into the world of 27 must-watch UK lesbian movies. Get ready to be enthralled by the rich tapestry of emotions, experiences, and perspectives that these films offer, as they celebrate love, resilience, and the power of representation.
1. Carol (2015)
Set in 1950s America, young woman Therese (Rooney Mara) works as a sales clerk at a department store in New York City, but she aspires to be a photographer. One day, a beautiful and elegant blonde woman named Carol (Cate Blanchett) visits the store to buy a Christmas gift and instantly connects with Therese. As they get to know each other, Therese learns that Carol has a daughter and is going through a divorce with her husband, Harge (Kyle Chandler). Through letters, dates, and a road trip, Therese and Carol discover that they are each other’s true love. However, their love is not accepted in society at that time. Therese’s boyfriend thinks it’s just a phase, while Carol’s husband hires a private detective to gather evidence against her in the divorce case. The moment of truth arrives, testing whether they can stay true to themselves and pursue their love at any cost, despite societal pressures.
“Carol” is the new film by renowned independent director Todd Haynes. It was nominated for the main competition at the 68th Cannes Film Festival and won the Best Actress award. The film is an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s semi-autobiographical novel “The Price of Salt,” which was anonymously published in 1952 and initially faced rejection from publishers due to its sensitive subject matter. The title “The Price of Salt” refers to the 17th-century meaning of “salt” as a metaphor for female desire. In the book, it symbolizes the situation of the two female protagonists: a life without love is like meat without salt. The question posed is: How much are you willing to sacrifice for love?
2. Cracks (2009)
Set in the 1930s, the film takes place at a strict girls’ boarding school in England. The girls are expected to adhere to strict rules and are not allowed to have any thoughts of debauchery or negativity. Miss G (played by Eva Green), the swimming instructor, stands out from the rest. She is unconventional, open-minded, and encourages her students to pursue their desires. Miss G becomes highly admired by the girls. Soon, a noble Spanish girl named Fiamma (played by María Valverde) transfers to the school. Her elegance, kindness, and friendly nature captivate the other girls, including Miss G herself. However, as Fiamma’s behavior becomes.
3. Fingersmith (2005)
Adapted from Sarah Waters’ novel of the same name, “Fingersmith” tells the story of Mr. Lilly and his niece, Maud (Elaine Cassidy), who live in a large estate in the outskirts of London. Mr. Lilly is a cruel man, forcing Maud to spend her days organizing and reading his book collection. Poor Maud has never set foot outside the estate and leads a bleak life.
One day, a stranger’s intrusion breathes life into Maud’s stagnant soul. This stranger is Rivers (Rupert Evans), who has come to teach Maud painting. Little does Maud know that Rivers is actually a thief, and upon hearing about Maud’s 40,000 pounds dowry, he devises a plan to deceive her into marriage for financial gain.
To ensure success, Rivers enlists the help of Sue (Sally Hawkins) from the thieving gang to be Maud’s personal maid. Through careful planning, everything unfolds as Rivers hopes, unaware that a genuine love develops between Maud and Sue. As Sue’s guilt and remorse grow, she is devastated to see Maud on the brink of being sent to an insane asylum.
However, things take an unexpected turn. It turns out that nothing is as simple as Sue imagined, and a grand conspiracy, years in the making, awaits everyone involved. A shocking truth is about to be revealed.
4. Colette (2018)
The story takes place in late 19th-century England. Colette (Keira Knightley), a simple and beautiful girl, marries a writer named Willy (Dominic West). With her husband’s support and encouragement, Colette picks up a pen and begins writing, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as a student. Eventually, she completes her first novel. To Colette’s surprise, Willy publishes the novel under his own name, and it becomes a sensational success in the literary world, catapulting Willy to fame.
From then on, Willy discovers Colette’s remarkable literary talent and coerces her to continue writing as his ghostwriter. When Colette can no longer tolerate her husband’s unreasonable demands and refuses, Willy becomes violent. Willy engages in extramarital affairs, and Colette discovers her own strong attraction to women, despite being a woman herself.
5. Imagine Me & You (2005)
In the romantic comedy “Imagine Me & You,” Rachel (Piper Perabo) is about to marry her childhood sweetheart, Heck (Matthew Goode). Heck is handsome, gentle, caring, and deeply in love with Rachel. Rachel believes she loves Heck just as much. However, during the wedding ceremony, Rachel accidentally catches the eye of someone else: the florist named Luce (Lena Headey). Suddenly struck by lightning, Rachel befriends Luce. Although Rachel and Luce feel an attraction towards each other, Rachel is already married, and Heck is such a good person. In the end, Rachel chooses to give up on her feelings for Luce, and Luce decides to leave. Heck notices the change in Rachel and wants her to be happy, so he chooses to leave as well. Can Rachel and Luce ultimately find happiness together?
6. Tell It to the Bees (2018)
Set in 1950s England, Lydia (Holliday Grainger) is an ordinary housewife who has been abandoned by her heartless husband. Left with no choice, Lydia and her son Charlie struggle to survive. Charlie faces bullying at school due to their family situation, and mother and son find themselves in dire circumstances. Just when things seem hopeless, a doctor named Jean (Anna Paquin) moves in next door to Lydia. Jean is gentle and kind, and not only does she heal Charlie’s wounds, but she also opens her home to Lydia and Charlie, saving them from a life on the streets. Lydia moves in with Jean, and over time, a different kind of connection develops between them. However, rumors and gossip about their relationship start spreading in the small village.
7. My Days of Mercy (2017)
Lucy (Elliot Page) and Martha (Amy Seimetz) are sisters whose father was imprisoned and awaiting trial for the alleged murder of their mother eight years ago. The sisters firmly believe in their father’s innocence, and the only way to save him from the death penalty is through continuous appeals to abolish capital punishment. During a protest, Lucy meets a woman named Mercy (Kate Mara) who holds opposite views on the death penalty. However, as Mercy is a lawyer, she can provide valuable legal assistance to Lucy’s father. Under this pretext, Lucy and Mercy start frequent communication, and their relationship evolves from initial opposition to something more romantic than mere friendship.
8. I Can’t Think Straight (2008)
Based on writer and director Shamim Sarif’s autobiographical novel, this film tells the story of Lisa Ray, an Indian model and actress who was nominated for an Oscar for her previous work in “Water.” In a traditional upper-class Middle Eastern society, Reema and Omar are preparing for their daughter Tala’s (Lisa Ray) wedding. While working in London, Tala meets Leyla (Sheetal Sheth) through a mutual friend named Ali. Leyla is aspiring to become a writer, and her simplicity, clumsiness, and sensitivity attract Tala’s attention. Although Tala and Leyla develop feelings for each other, Tala is already engaged and deeply committed to her wedding. As family visits and the wedding day approaches, Tala faces increasing pressure. How will Tala make a life-altering decision?
9. The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister (2010)
Anne Lister (1791-1840) was a landowner, entrepreneur, traveler, and diarist from Yorkshire. She was also a lesbian, a fact that she had to keep discreet due to societal expectations at the time. Anne resisted traditional norms by living openly with her same-sex partners. Through her extensive four-million-word diary, Anne documented every aspect of her life, including her relationships, emotions, and love affairs, with captivating honesty and vulnerability. A significant portion of the diary was written in code, and recent efforts to decipher it have allowed people to further understand her role as one of Britain’s first modern lesbian women. Anne Lister’s extraordinary diary and her unconventional yet remarkable life laid the foundation for “The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister,” a film adaptation. The single-episode, 90-minute drama features a brilliant cast, including Anna Madeley, Susan Lynch, Christine Bottomley, Gemma Jones, Dean Lennox Kelly, and Tina O’Brien.
10. Tipping the Velvet (2002)
Adapted from Sarah Waters’ novel of the same name, “Tipping the Velvet” tells the story of Nancy (Rachael Stirling), an 18-year-old girl whose life takes a dramatic turn when she encounters Kitty (Keeley Hawes), a female impersonator, during a music hall performance. Nancy becomes infatuated with Kitty’s dazzling presence and performance and eagerly becomes Kitty’s devoted companion. As Kitty sets off to achieve fame in London, Nancy follows without hesitation. Unexpectedly, Nancy’s own talent is discovered, and the two become a sensational duo on stage. Their relationship evolves into a romantic one, and Nancy believes in Kitty’s lifelong commitment. However, people’s hearts change quickly, and Kitty betrays Nancy by getting engaged to someone else. Heartbroken, Nancy flees and indulges herself in the darkness of the city.
11. The Duke of Burgundy (2014)
Evelyn (Chiara D’Anna) and Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen) are deeply in love as same-sex partners. Their relationship involves role-playing and sexual games that fulfill Evelyn’s unconventional desires. Cynthia, at Evelyn’s request, transforms into a submissive maid, enduring Evelyn’s near sadistic teasing. Evelyn finds pleasure in this dynamic, but Cynthia feels increasingly distressed. Cynthia desires a simpler and more ordinary relationship, while Evelyn finds it dull and uninteresting. As time passes, the strain on their relationship becomes evident, and cracks begin to form.
12. One Red Nose Day and a Wedding (2019)
The creators of the classic film “Four Weddings and a Funeral” reunite for the charity short film “One Red Nose Day and a Wedding.” Written by Richard Curtis, the original cast, including Hugh Grant, Andy McDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas, John Hannah, Rowan Atkinson, James Fleet, and David Haig, returns, with Mike Newell directing.
13. Head in the Clouds (2004)
On a rainy night in 1933, a beautiful woman named Gilda (Charlize Theron) unexpectedly enters the dorm room of Guy (Stuart Townsend), a first-year student at Cambridge University. Guy kindly offers her shelter, and they quickly fall in love. Years later, Gilda becomes a successful fashion photographer and invites Guy to her luxurious home in Paris, where they enjoy fashionable and joyful times with her model and close friend Mia (Penélope Cruz). However, as World War II breaks out, their differing opinions on the war lead to a rift in their friendship. Guy and Mia decide to join the war effort, while Gilda stays behind. After six years of war, Guy returns to Paris to find Gilda, only to discover that she has become a despised German officer’s mistress, unaware of her true role as an undercover spy. With Gilda facing imminent danger and public hatred, will the fate of these two lovers ever intersect again?
14. My Summer of Love (2004)
Mona (Natalie Press), a rural girl, is involved in an affair with a married man and yearns for a life of freedom. Her brother, Phil (Paddy Considine), causes unnecessary trouble in her life, and to add to her frustration, she recently ended her relationship with her lover. Mona meets Tasmin (Emily Blunt), a wealthy girl leading a sheltered life, and they both desire a new and independent life. They quickly become friends, drawn to each other’s unique qualities. Their friendship evolves into a same-sex romance, and they embark on a motorcycle journey to find their own path in life, not wanting to lose each other. However, when Phil forcibly locks up Mona, she decides to run away. But when Tasmin’s sister appears before her, Mona discovers that her lover has been deceiving her. Tasmin desperately begs for forgiveness, but will Mona forgive her?
15. Picture of Beauty (2017)
Two pretty girls come of age and a painter has an unusual commission. In a repressive climate sexual exploration repression and liberation are and represented.
16. Revealing Anne Lister with Sue Perkins (2010)
The world of early 19th century England is usually seen through the eyes of Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. Sue Perkins explores a dramatically different version of this world, as lived and recorded by the remarkable Anne Lister.
Anne was born in Halifax in 1791. A Yorkshire landowner, she was a polymath, autodidact and traveller who kept a detailed diary. Running to more than 4,000,000 words, the work ranks as one of the most important journals in English literature. Parts of Anne’s epic diary were written in code: once deciphered they reveal graphic details of Anne’s many love affairs with women.
Sue discovers that Anne was able to follow her sexual preferences in relative peace. It was only when she sought to profit from the Industrial Revolution by sinking a coal mine on her land that criticism of her private life became public. Anne acquired the capital for the mine from a wealthy female landowner, Anne Walker, with whom she enjoyed a relationship as close to marriage as the times would permit.
Sue finds out that what happened to Anne Lister’s diaries after her death is almost as remarkable as the story of Anne’s life.
17. 40 Love (2014)
“Critical 40 Love” (2014) is a romantic love story set in the world of tennis, narrated and featuring the talented British singer Lily Allen. It tells the story of Debbie, a tennis lineswoman who becomes an internet sensation after being hit by a tennis ball, leading to a serendipitous romance with her dream lover.
As one of the international editions in the adorable series, “Critical” maintains the fresh and artistic visual style seen in other films. However, it offers a more delicate portrayal of the main character, adopting the role of a female cupid, which brings a refreshing perspective. The short film unfolds from Debbie’s perspective, initially reflecting her lonely and ordinary life through a few simple shots. The introduction of the dramatic encounter between the two main characters is filled with theatricality, yet it doesn’t feel forced.
The cinematography of the short film is rich and playful, laying the groundwork for the emotional connection between the two characters through elements such as human billboards and the “celebrity effect.” Maria’s graffiti on the billboard, cleverly edited through a few shots, hints at her character’s state of life. In terms of character development for same-sex lovers, the film gradually brings the two closer through a subtle and romantic approach. This candid and straightforward love, free from conflict and repression, gives the short film a lively style and creates a sweet and romantic atmosphere of emotions.
18. Justine (2021)
“Justine” (2021) is a story about Justin, who becomes increasingly rebellious after his parents’ divorce. He meets a beautiful teacher at a bookstore, and they embark on a romantic love story. However, Justin, who cannot escape his psychological pain, ultimately experiences a surprising twist in the ending.
19. Ammonite (2020)
Set in 1920s England, “Ammonite” (2020) revolves around Mary (played by Kate Winslet), a paleontologist. However, this profession doesn’t provide her with a comfortable life, and she continues to struggle near the poverty line. To treat her ailing mother, Mary survives by selling fossils she collects from the beach to tourists.
One day, a man named Roderick (played by James McArdle) approaches Mary and offers her a generous salary to take care of his gravely ill wife, Charlotte (played by Saoirse Ronan). Unable to resist the temptation of money, Mary agrees. However, shortly after meeting Charlotte, the stark differences in their thoughts ignite sparks between them. But as time passes, they both discover a world they have never experienced before in each other’s presence.
20. I Care a Lot (2020)
Marla (played by Rosamund Pike) runs a guardianship company, targeting elderly individuals who are in poor health and have no one to rely on. Through questionable means, she becomes their legal guardian, placing them in nursing homes and taking control of their assets and properties for her own benefit.
One day, Marla sets her sights on Jennifer (played by Dianne Wiest), an elderly woman with no family but a valuable inheritance, making her the perfect “cash cow.” After a series of manipulations, Jennifer’s phone is confiscated, and she is locked away in a nursing home. Little do Marla and her girlfriend and business partner Fran (played by Eiza González) know that they have crossed paths with someone they shouldn’t have.
21. The World’s Worst Place to Be Gay (2011)
This documentary, produced by the BBC, sheds light on the living conditions faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. It reminded me of a documentary I watched a few years ago called “Holy Wars,” which explored the dire circumstances for LGBTQ+ individuals in Islamic countries such as Iran and Egypt. However, the situation in Uganda seems even more appalling, as if it couldn’t get any worse.
Interestingly, three years after the making of this documentary, in February 2014, Uganda passed an anti-homosexuality bill. It serves as a reminder that even in today’s world, the notion of “civilization” remains elusive and is far from being universally acknowledged or defined. Perhaps many things in life share a similar ambiguity.
22. Albert Nobbs (2011)
Adapted from George Moore’s short story “The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs.” Albert Nobbs (played by Glenn Close) works in a hotel that caters to the upper class, where he is highly regarded for his shy and meticulous nature. Little does anyone know, “he” is actually a woman. Despite being busy and content with his secret life, Albert lacks a sense of purpose. When Hubert Page (played by Janet McTeer), a female painter disguised as a man, arrives at the hotel, Albert’s heart feels a glimmer of hope. Determined to break free from his lonely existence, Albert sets out to find a life partner, choosing the beautiful maid Helen (played by Mia Wasikowska). However, Helen is drawn to the new handyman. Can Albert achieve his life goals?
23. Blue Jean (2022)
Jane, a physical education teacher, leads a double life. During the day, she conceals her true self, playing the role society expects of her at school. Only at night can she experience the life she desires with a group of unrelated friends. Jane, who has grown accustomed to this lifestyle, discovers the secrets of a student when they unexpectedly meet at a nightclub. However, despite this knowledge, Jane is unable to publicly protest against the injustices the student faces at school. Consumed by guilt, Jane decides it’s time to make some changes and take action.
24. The Hours (2002)
Three women connected by a name, Mrs. Dalloway, across different time periods. Virginia Woolf (played by Nicole Kidman) lives in the outskirts of London in the 1920s, completing her final novel, “Mrs. Dalloway.” Hovering between fiction and real life, she bears immense pressure and a sense of confinement, even craving death.
Laura Brown (played by Julianne Moore) is a suburban housewife in late World War II-era Los Angeles. “Mrs. Dalloway” prompts her to question what constitutes a more meaningful life. The daily routine of homemaking fuels her desire for suicide.
Clarissa Vaughan (played by Meryl Streep) resides in 1990s New York, living a Mrs. Dalloway-style existence. Her beloved friend, Richard, is a talented writer debilitated by AIDS. Kind-hearted Mrs. Dalloway assumes the role of a party host, bringing joy to everyone but struggling with inner loneliness and sorrow.
In different time periods, the struggles and resistance surrounding death persist in the depths of their hearts, moment by moment.
25. Rebel Dykes (2021)
Set in post-punk London in the 1980s, this social movement documentary is an interweaving of interviews, historical footage and animation that takes the viewer back in time to the lives of a group of lesbians who frequented underground bars and art venues. In the midst of the chaos of the time, they were brought together by art, music, sex, political involvement and a desire to change the future together.
26. Polarized (2023)
A successful engaged Muslim woman falls into a relationship with a blue collar Christian woman who works for her. In a polarized small town, being true to themselves means turning their backs on everything they’ve ever believed.
27. Requiem (2021)
Requiem is set in 1605, against the backdrop of the witch trials. It’s a coming of age story, following Evelyn as she engages in a game of cat and mouse against her father, Minister Gilbert, in order to be with Mary, the woman she loves.
