Watch A Single Woman

A Single Woman is a biographical film that tells the story of Jeanne, a woman who lived from 1917 to 1998, and who was a tireless fighter for social justice and a staunch advocate for the rights of women, workers, and minorities. The film begins with Jeanne in her later years, living in a modest home and reflecting on the struggles and triumphs of her life. As she looks out the window at a group of young activists protesting in the street, she flashes back to her own youth, when she first became politicized and began to fight for the causes she believed in.

Through a series of flashbacks, we see Jeanne growing up in a small town in California, where she is raised by her mother and grandmother. As a young girl, she is already aware of the injustices and inequalities that exist around her, and she begins to develop a deep sense of social consciousness.

When she moves to Los Angeles to attend college, she becomes involved in left-wing politics and begins to work with various groups and organizations. She meets and falls in love with a fellow activist, who is tragically killed while working on a union organizing drive. This event serves as a turning point in Jeanne's life, and she becomes even more dedicated to the struggle for social justice.

Jeanne's activism takes her all over the world, from Cuba to Nicaragua to the Soviet Union. She also becomes involved in the feminist movement and works tirelessly to advance women's rights. She is arrested several times for her activism, but she refuses to back down or compromise her principles.

Throughout the film, we see Jeanne grappling with the personal and emotional toll of her activism. She struggles with feelings of loneliness and alienation, and she is haunted by the memory of her lost love. However, she remains steadfast in her commitment to social justice and continues to fight for a better world.

The film is anchored by an outstanding performance from Patricia Arquette, who imbues Jeanne with a fierce intelligence and a deep sense of empathy. Arquette captures Jeanne's contradictions and complexities, and she brings a raw emotional honesty to the role.

Joyce Julianne Auer and Karen Black also give excellent performances in supporting roles, portraying various women who influenced and inspired Jeanne throughout her life.

The film is directed by Kamala Lopez, who co-wrote the screenplay with Gini Reticker. It was produced by Lopez's production company, Heroica Films, and it premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2008.

A Single Woman is a powerful and inspiring film that offers a portrait of a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to fighting for social justice. It is a testament to the power of activism and a call to action for future generations.