From A League Of Their Own to The Wilds, we’ve got plenty of sapphic recommendations for you
BY NIC CROSARA, IMAGES BY SABRINA LANTOS/BELL MEDIA/HBO MAX/PRIME VIDEO
The book-to-screen adaptation of the sporty romance Heated Rivalry became an instant sensation upon release. Fans of the world have swooned over the enemies-to-lovers romance. It’s received much praise for its portrayal of queer intimacy and highlighting the importance and impact of LGBTQIA+ visibility in the world of sport.
While a second season has been confirmed, we’re a long way off getting to return to Shane and Ilya’s world. So, if you’re looking for some queer media to fill the void, we’ve got you covered.
A League Of Their Own (2022)
Any queer sporty listicle would be incomplete without this absolute favourite among Team DIVA and our readers. Co-created by Will Graham and Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson this reimagining of Penny Marshall’s classic film is wonderfully and unapologetically queer. Inspired by the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, founded in World War II while men were all away fighting, it’s full of heart, entertainment and laughs. It also has a gorgeous later-in-life coming out story.
Bottoms (2023)
This one features cheerleaders, jocks and a secret fight club run by horny lesbians. What’s not to love? If that hasn’t sold you, it also stars Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott as the previously mentioned horny lesbians aka “the ugly, untalented gays”. It’s full of yearning and it’s unapologetically queer. And oh boy, it’s full of action.
Challengers (2024)
We can’t talk about sweaty, sexy, sporty queer films without talking about this one from director Luca Guadagnino. It stars a messy love triangle between Art, Patrick and Tashi, the latter is played by many a DIVA readers’ ultimate celeb crush, Zendaya. It’s full of love/hate dynamics that’ll surely have you on the edge of your seat.
Signature Move (2017)
This comedy wrestling film stars the iconic Fawzia Mirza as Zaynab – a Pakistani, Muslim lesbian in her 30s. Sparks fly when she falls for a Mexican woman named Alma and finds herself immersed in the wonderful world of wrestling. Pssst… Fawzia also co-wrote the film, so you know it’s golden.
The Novice (2021)
This next one is full of sweat and the obsessive dedication required to become a pro. We follow queer freshman, Alex, as she joins her university’s rowing team and embarks on an intense physical and psychological journey to make it to the top varsity boat. It’s a gripping watch.
Nyad (2023)
If you prefer true stories over fictional ones, this one might be more up your alley. In it Annette Bening and Jodie Foster share the screen as legendary lesbian swimmer Diana Nyad and her coach Bonnie Stoll respectively. The film follows the titular character’s mission to swim from Cuba to Florida at the age of 60.
Water Lilies (2007)
Directed by legendary lesbian filmmaker Céline Sciamma and starring A Portrait Of A Lady On Fire’s Adèle Haenel, this one is guaranteed to be a DIVA fave. Taking place during a sultry summer in France, we follow Marie who desperately wants to join the local pool’s synchronised swimming team. But is she motivated by the sport, or does she really want an excuse to get closer to her crush?
The Wilds (2020-2022)
While there’s only some sport in this one, it’s got one of the best enemies-to-lovers romances I’ve seen in a TV series. Unfortunately, it met the same fate as many other sapphic shows and was cancelled prematurely. But it’s still well worth a watch.
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