Calling all movie buffs and bookworms! If there's one thing we love more than curling up with a great book, it's seeing our favorite stories come to life on the big screen. Over the past decade, there has been a delightful surge in movies adapted from books written by talented female authors. From fantastical adventures to heartwarming dramas, here are some of those must-see films that have graced our screens in recent years…
Little Women (2019): We’re kicking off our list with a classic. Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age story about the four March sisters – Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth – has been adapted numerous times, but Greta Gerwig's 2019 rendition breathed new life into the timeless tale. With masterful storytelling and a star-studded cast (including Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen in the title roles), this most recent adaptation perfectly captured the essence of sisterhood, love, and the pursuit of dreams.
Wild (2014): Based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir of the same name, Wild takes us on an epic journey of healing and self-discovery, following her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail as she tries to find solace after a series of personal hardships. The stunning visuals of this film beautifully capture the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
The Help (2011): Kathryn Stockett's bestseller hit the big screen in 2011. Set in the racially segregated 1960’s, the film delves into the lives of African-American maids and the White women they worked for. The performances of the ensemble cast (including Emma Stone, Viola Davis, Bryce Dallas Howard, Octavia Spencer, and Jessica Chastain) earned the film well-deserved acclaim, and the movie served as a reminder of the courage and resilience of women.
The Hate U Give (2018): Inspired by Angie Thomas's gripping novel, The Hate U Give confronts issues of racial injustice and police brutality through the eyes of Starr Carter, a young Black girl navigating two different worlds. The film strikes an emotional chord throughout, urging us to question societal norms and stand up for what's right.
Gone Girl (2014): Gillian Flynn's chilling and thrilling Gone Girl, skillfully adapted by David Fincher, features a gripping plot with unpredictable twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. Flynn's sharp and compelling narrative about marriage and deceit makes this psychological thriller an absolute must-watch.
A Wrinkle in Time (2018): Madeleine L'Engle's beloved sci-fi fantasy finally leapt off the pages onto the big screen. Directed by Ava DuVernay, the movie brought Meg Murry's interstellar quest to life, showing us the importance of self-acceptance and embracing our own uniqueness.
Room (2015): Emma Donoghue's powerful novel made an unforgettable impact on the big screen. The story centers on a young boy named Jack who has been held captive in a small room for years. Brie Larson's phenomenal performance as his mother earned her an Academy Award for Best Leading Actress. The film beautifully captures the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her child.
The Girl on the Train (2016): Paula Hawkins' gripping psychological thriller, The Girl on the Train, took readers and audiences alike on a mind-bending ride. Emily Blunt brought the troubled protagonist Rachel to life, as her life became entwined with a mysterious disappearance. The movie's suspenseful atmosphere and clever storytelling kept viewers guessing until the very end.