SXSW 2021 Review: Women Is Losers

All women have been there, the snide comment, the touch that lingers a little too long, and the blatant disregard for your ability to get a job done because you’re a woman. If you think it’s bad now, try being a woman in the ’60s. That’s what writer-director Lissette Feliciano’s feminist film “Women Is Losers” is about. 

Women Is Losers is a story about making do with what you got. That’s in both the story and the actual storytelling. This period piece about living in a patriarchal society doesn’t shy away from being filmed on a budget. In fact, it blatantly tells you so in the beginning. It’s one of the most charming aspects of the film. This movie is about stretching your penny and getting the job done no matter how many times you’re pushed down. And you can feel that energy from behind the camera as you watch every scene play out. 

The story begins in a ’60s Catholic school with best friends Celina (Lorenza Izzo) and Marty (Chrissie Fit). They talk about their dreams and plans to welcome home Celina’s kind-of/maybe-boyfriend Mateo (Bryan Craig) home from war.

After a care-free night of laughter and fun, the two friends are both hit with the same harsh reality. Celina and Marty learn they’re pregnant. Seeing no there option, the two opt to get an illegal abortion. As Celina waits for Marty, she hears her friend’s horrific screams. Celina loses her best friend, and she now has to move on all alone.  

Time passes, and Celina is now a single mother trying to make ends meet while trying to survive her abusive home. Somehow she pushes through the woes of motherhood, sexism, and racism and shows just how strong females are. 

This tough story is told through a slew of fourth-wall-breaking moments that help soften the heavy blows while also providing an in-depth look at what’s really happening.

There are stellar performances all around from the cast. Izzo is vibrant on screen and brings the right amount of sincerity and strength to Celina. Fit is exceptional. She will have you laughing and crying within seconds. Her comedic timing is impeccable with every role she’s given, but her dramatic performance is a true standout in this project. 

This film is almost reminiscent of “Riding in Cars With Boys” but has more of a feminist fight attached to it, and I mean that in the best way possible. Unlike other stories of the same nature, Women Is Losers takes all the daily jabs of being a woman and hits back. It’s saying it’s okay to be angry, but use that anger to lift yourself up and push back. 

Women Is Losers is a statement piece showing the strength of a woman. It has an impactful script that is expertly acted. Heavy scenes are handled with the utmost care while also not shying away from horrific situations. It’s one to watch and will reignite the fire in every woman to fight back a break more glass ceilings.