Key Highlights
- Narrated by a hobo with pigeons in his hair, the film stars Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike.
- The movie follows a sexist pig who wakes up in a matriarchal world where he must fight against systemic sexism to become CEO of his company.
- Despite the concept’s high ceiling, the film is deemed “dopey” and “underdeveloped,” lacking insightful humor or satire.
- The critics note that characters remain stereotypical and the writing lacks complexity in exploring gender politics.
A Cinematic Misfire: ‘Ladies First’ on Netflix
Netflix’s latest foray into gender politics with Ladies First, a British remake of 2018 French original, is a mixed bag. Directed by Thea Sharrock and featuring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike, the film aims to be satirical but ends up being more flaccid than clever.
The premise is intriguing: a sexist pig, Damien Sachs (played by Cohen), finds himself in a matriarchal world where women rule. This setup hints at a sharp commentary on gender roles and power dynamics. However, the execution falls flat.
A Witty Yet Uninspired Story
The film’s greatest flaw lies in its writing. Pigeon Man (Richard E. Grant), who narrates with an offbeat voiceover, introduces us to Damien as a “arsehole.” The narrative is filled with cringeworthy jokes and clichés that fail to land.
For example, in the office meeting where women are treated like sex dolls, Alex (Rosamund Pike) can’t even get a word in edgewise. This setup should have been an opportunity for biting satire but instead results in trite observations.
The Characters Are Flat
Damien’s journey is supposed to be about him fighting against systemic sexism, but the character development feels rushed and shallow. Pike and Kathryn Hunter as the cleaning lady CEO are relegated to supporting roles that don’t add much depth.
Even the attempt at humor—like Damien trying on testicle bras in a Victor’s Secret store—feels like an afterthought rather than a clever punchline. The writing seems more concerned with the novelty of upending gender roles than genuinely exploring their complexities.
A Missed Opportunity
Ladies First has a concept that could have been groundbreaking, but it fails to capitalize on its potential. Instead, it presents a hodgepodge of tired tropes and easy laughs. The film’s soundtrack further detracts from the experience with an overreliance on male voices singing songs like “Creep” by Radiohead.
It’s hard not to feel that this movie was made more for shock value than substance, especially when we consider how much more nuanced gender politics are today. The writing seems stuck in a bygone era of humor, lacking the contemporary edge needed to make its point effectively.
Ladies Worst: Skip It.
