From the earliest days of cinema, filmmakers have been drawn to stories of brilliant minds pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. So, for International Women’s day, we wanted to highlight some of the many films honouring real-life female scientists, bringing their inspiring stories to audiences worldwide. Here are some of the most compelling portrayals of real female scientists in film.
Marie Curie – « Radioactive » (2019)
No discussion of female scientists in film would be complete without mentioning Marie Curie. A pioneer in radioactivity, she was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and the only person to ever win in two different scientific fields (Physics and Chemistry). The 2019 biopic Radioactive, starring Rosamund Pike, delves into Curie’s ground-breaking discoveries and the profound impact they had on medicine and science. It also explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding her research, making it a nuanced and engaging portrayal.
Jane Goodall – « Jane » (2017)
Jane Goodall, one of the world’s foremost primatologists, revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees. The documentary Jane, directed by Brett Morgen, offers a stunningly intimate look at her early research in Gombe, Tanzania. Featuring never-before-seen footage, the film highlights her dedication, resilience, and ground-breaking findings in animal behaviour, painting an inspiring portrait of her lifelong commitment to conservation.
Katherine Johnson – « Hidden Figures » (2016)
Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician at NASA, played a critical role in the success of early space missions. Hidden Figures tells the remarkable true story of Johnson (portrayed by Taraji P. Henson) and her colleagues Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who overcame racial and gender barriers to contribute to the U.S. space program. Johnson’s calculations were essential to launching astronaut John Glenn into orbit, and her legacy continues to inspire future generations of scientists.
Rosalind Franklin – « Life Story » (1987)
Though less well-known than some others on this list, Rosalind Franklin’s work was fundamental in the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure. Life Story (also known as The Race for the Double Helix), a 1987 BBC film, portrays Franklin’s crucial but often overlooked contributions to genetics. Played by Juliet Stevenson, Franklin is depicted as a meticulous scientist whose work laid the foundation for Watson and Crick’s Nobel Prize-winning discovery.
Temple Grandin – « Temple Grandin » (2010)
Temple Grandin, a scientist and advocate for autism awareness, transformed the livestock industry with her innovative designs for humane animal handling. The HBO film Temple Grandin, starring Claire Danes, offers an insightful look into her life, her struggles with autism, and her extraordinary contributions to animal science. The film provides an inspiring testament to how perseverance and unique perspectives can lead to groundbreaking advancements.
Why These Films Matter
These films not only celebrate the scientific achievements of these remarkable women but also challenge stereotypes about gender in STEM fields. By bringing their stories to life on screen, they inspire new generations of women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Whether through historical biopics or gripping documentaries, cinema plays an important role in shining a light on these real-life pioneers.
