Overlook 2023 Film Festival – Almost immediately after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court last summer, 17 female directors came together and created an anthology called Give Me an A. Like any anthology, some of the work will hit deeper for the audience than others, but what’s impressive is how varied the visions are in addressing a single issue. At the same time, this film will likely enrage those still reeling from last year’s monumental decision and the repercussions we’ll continue to see from it. This anthology doesn’t hold back. While there are moments of comedy here, as a whole, this multi-faceted work is fierce in its rage.

Created by Natasha Halevi, this work is difficult to summarize because it features so many short films with several different directors and writers. It begins in a girls’ locker room, as cheerleaders put on their uniforms. However, the camera focuses on the ground, so you only see their feet and thighs mostly. You hear them talk about a host of issues, including tampons and the patriarchy. If you look super close, you’ll notice Nataniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, a novel that most of us read in high school and that, like most of Hawthorne’s fiction, deals with this country’s Puritanical history. We then see the cheerleaders in full with red As on their uniforms, though this time, it stands for something much different. Before each short, the women hold up a placard, one introducing the title of the next film, the other introducing the writers/directors. Without spoiling anything, let’s just say the film’s conclusion and return to the wrap-around is a creative bit of choreography that utterly challenges the concept of a cheerleader.

This anthology really ranges in terms of genres. There are dark comedies, such as the “Love Island”-like “Crucible Island,” written by Laura Covelli and Danielle Aufiero and directed by Valerie Finkel. In this one, a group of men compete on a reality show, but in a flip of the script, the host interrogates them to find out who impregnated a woman. Of course, the men try to shrug off the responsibility of caring for a child. Others are a more understated forms of horror. For instance, following the wrap-around comes “The Voiceless,” directed and written by Megan Swertlow. In this one, a woman (Kristen Ariza) wakes up and brushes her teeth. The moment that the decision comes down regarding Roe, her mouth disappears. She quickly finds out she’s not the only woman who’s lost her voice. This is a visceral bit of filmmaking, potent and powerful.

The anthology features some familiar faces, including Virginia Madsen, who plays Coach Judy in the opening. Alyssa Milano appears briefly as Abigail Adams and recites the famous letter, “Remember the Ladies,” written to John Adams. The letter advocated strongly for women’s rights. These are just two of the cameos that will be familiar to most viewers.

Overall, Give Me an A had more hits than misses for me, but it does feel too long overall. This film likely won’t convert anyone who doesn’t understand the importance of a woman’s bodily autonomy. But maybe that’s not the point. This anthology looks at the issue of choice from an array of perspectives and genres. Further, there can be value in art that stirs anger, which can spark action. Give Me an A is a direct response to the overturning of Roe that speaks loudly and boldly.