We’re sick of the #BuryYourGays trend, so we’ve compiled a list of stories to fuel some queer joy
BY ELIZABETH HOPWOOD, IMAGE BY MPM STUDIOS
One word comes to mind when thinking of the ending of most sapphic films: tragic. Too often, one of three things happens in films with a wlw storyline: one, a member of the couple suddenly dies. Two: one of them moves far away. Or three: one of them goes back to a man.
Or, sometimes even worse, there’s a will-they-won’t-they vibe going on and a romantic subtext is hinted at but never actually realised (I’m looking at you, Jess and Jules in Bend It Like Beckham).
I don’t know about you, but I’m sick of this cruel teasing and would like to end a sapphic film with tears of joy, instead of tears of ultimate despair. So, I’ve put together a list of ten films with happy sapphic endings, so you don’t have to go through the heartbreak to find them.
SPOILER: they all end up together.
Imagine Me And You (2005)
This is by far my favourite sapphic film. On her wedding day, Rachel notices Luce and is instantly infatuated with her. What follows is an all-too-relatable journey of realisation of her sexuality. Rachel (Piper Perabo) has the perfect husband, yet she can’t stop thinking about the brunette, tattooed florist (Leana Headey).
Yes, it’s very cheesy. Think queer Love Actually. But there’s nothing wrong with a bit of corniness.
![Imagine Me & You Trailer [HD]](https://i0.wp.com/i.ytimg.com/vi/X-EEMiSmnNw/hqdefault.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
Carol (2015)
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s cherished novel The Price Of Salt, this stunning romance captures the forbidden love story between Therese (Rooney Mara) and Carol (Cate Blanchett), an older married woman, set against the backdrop of 1950s New York.
I’ve yet to meet a wlw who would turn down the chance to watch a Cate Blanchett film, and this is a classic.
But, I’m A Cheerleader (1999)
This delightfully campy romantic film takes place in an unexpected setting: a conversion camp. Megan (Natasha Lyonne) is bewildered when her parents send her to the camp, suspecting she might be a lesbian. Their suspicions prove accurate as Megan finds herself falling for fellow camper Graham (Clea DuVall).
Yes, another very cheesy one, but I’m a sucker for a good rom-com.
Fire (1996)
A bold and evocative film that delves into the intimate connection between two women, Radha (Shabana Azmi) and Sita (Nandita Das), who find love in each other’s arms from their unfulfilling marriages. Set in modern-day India, it poignantly addresses themes of love, self-discovery, and societal defiance.
Until Rainbow Dawn (2018)
When Hana (Eri Nagai) falls for Ayumi (Haruka Kobayashi), a girl she meets in her sign language group, her coming out to her parents results in swift rejection. To lift her spirits, Ayumi introduces Hana to a deaf LGBTQIA group in Tokyo.
Featuring a pioneering deaf cast and crew, this heartwarming and tender story celebrates the beauty of intersectionality, resonating deeply with both deaf and hearing audiences.
Rafiki (2018)
When Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) meets the vibrant Ziki (Sheila Munyiva), their connection quickly blossoms into a tender romance, despite the disapproval of their conservative community. This groundbreaking film, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQIA love in Kenya, beautifully captures the resilience and hope of its protagonists.
The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)
Randy (Laurel Holloman), a masc lesbian who is bullied in high school because of her sexuality, starts a friendship with one of the popular girls, Evie (Nicole Parker). This then sparks a romance, and the girls have to deal with the difficulties of coming out, while navigating high school and, well, being a teenager (which is hard enough).
This is one of the cutest romances I’ve seen and a true indication of awkward and innocent young queer love.
San Junipero (Black Mirror) (2016)
Okay, so this one is technically an episode in the series, but it’s over an hour so it counts, right? When nerdy, shy Yorkie (Mackenzie Davis) visits the sunny beach town of San Junipero, she meets Kelly (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), a party girl set on changing her life. What follows is an exciting, fast-paced love story, in a summer of sun, sex, and fun.
Shiva Baby (2020)
While at a Jewish funeral service with her parents, directionless bisexual college student Danielle (Rachel Sennott) finds her ex-girlfriend and sugar daddy in the same room. Anyone’s worst nightmare. With watchful relatives and friends all wanting to know her business, Danielle attempts to balance multiple very different sides of her life.
DIVA magazine celebrates 30 years in print in 2024. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.