Watch Periods.

Periods. is a quirky and inventive indie comedy that explores the lives of three women across different historical periods, tackling issues surrounding womanhood and the complexities of the menstrual cycle. The film opens with a modern-day woman, Dot (played by Alison Fyhrie), who feels disconnected from her body and struggles with the discomfort and inconvenience of her period. One day, as she's complaining to her gynecologist, Dr. Collins (Philip Quinaz), she suddenly finds herself transported back in time to the 18th century.

In this alternate reality, Dot is now Dolly, a prim and proper lady who is set to marry an equally respectable gentleman named Henry (Mike Rose). However, as Dolly navigates the challenges of preparing for her wedding and dealing with her period in a time where such things are not discussed, she meets a group of rebellious women who encourage her to question her values and embrace her true self.

Meanwhile, in another time period, we meet Carla (A.M. Lukas), a fierce and independent high school student in the 1960s who is determined to fight against society's expectations of her as a woman. As she rallies her classmates to stage protests against dress codes and other sexist policies, she also grapples with her own body and the stigma surrounding puberty.

As the film jumps between each of these time periods, we see how each woman's experiences shape their understanding of their bodies and themselves. Whether it's through Dolly's tentative steps towards self-discovery, Dot's struggle to reconcile her modern sensibilities with the expectations of an earlier time, or Carla's fiery determination to fight for her rights, they all carry the weight of generations of repression and systemic misogyny.

What makes Periods. stand out is the way it uses humor and absurdism to tackle these heavy topics. There are moments of sheer absurdity, such as when Dolly is forced to wear a gigantic menstrual pad made out of mattress stuffing, or when Dot finds herself in a hilarious dance-off with her 18th-century nemesis. But amidst the comedy, there are also poignant moments of reflection and genuine emotion, such as when Carla has a heart-to-heart with her supportive father (played by Mark Clifton) or when Dot finally learns to embrace her body and accept its natural functions.

The film's low budget is evident in its DIY aesthetic and occasional rough edges, but this only adds to its charm and authenticity. The direction by Victor Quinaz is confident and assured, capturing both the absurdity and heart of the story. The cast, particularly the three lead actresses, all deliver strong performances that keep the film grounded even in its wackiest moments.

Overall, Periods. is a refreshing and innovative comedy that uses humor to shed light on important issues surrounding womanhood and the menstrual cycle. Its unique time-traveling structure and diverse cast of characters make it a standout addition to the indie film canon, and its irreverent humor and relatable themes will resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.

Periods. is a 2014 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.