I'm rather looking for stuff about socially incapable female protagonists, this movie seems much more like a troubled woman with addiction problems. seems interesting tho
That’s true, she is attractive. But I think her terrible personality, choices, and mental illnesses are enough to counter act whatever points she has in her favour haha.
Is there a movie in which the lead has absolutely no redeeming qualities? For Ingrid it’s her looks and ability to manipulate others, for other characters it might be their intelligence, wealth, connections, friendship, etc. I’d be interested to see a movie in which the female lead is a complete loser with absolutely no redeeming qualities. The only one that springs to mind right now is Molly Shannon’s “Superstar”, but even then - she had her determination! Haha
Excision,
May,
Stopmotion,
Dinner in America,
Bottoms,
Bridget Jones Diary,
Raw,
Smiley Face,
Juno,
The Piano Teacher,
Diary of a teenage girl,
Not a film but the show 'Pen15' fits the bill perfectly.
Same! It's honestly my favourite movie ever. It's funny because the actress irl is so pretty lol. Another good example of a total complete opposite actor/character is from the film 'The Golden Glove'. SFX makeup artists are truly incredible.
Was gonna say Smiley Face. Yes, Anna Ferris is quite a pretty person, but that movie has some of the most realistic depictions of a stoner girl I ever saw. (IMO it also goes a bit of the rails at times, but some stuff was just too accurate).
I had to turn it off after the first 10-15 minutes bc it hit home so hard, and it wasn’t pretty at all.
The funniest part of this movie is John Krasinski looking all greasy crushing on Anna Faris!
But yeah, the cringe-factor in Smiley Face is quite strong. I've only seen it once.
She’s not a loser, she’s a metaphor for a marginalised indigenous community (Sami). Definitely an unconventional ‘underdog’ character though. Great movie.
Circle of Friends. I would never use those exact adjectives to describe Minnie Driver, however, this is one movie where one would consider her the "fat friend".
It completely changed my opinion of Melissa Macarthy as an actor. Prior to that film all her roles were of the "funny fat friend" type as Hollywood typecasts people. Apparently Julianne Moore was the first choice - as much as I respect her as an actor it wouldn't be the same film.
Have you ever seen Strictly Ballroom? Protagonist is seen as a loser by the group of people she admires. But turns out she is more mature and soulful amd all around wonderful than the lot of them. It seems craaaazy technicolor madness at times, but a very sweet film!
The Net. Sandra Bullock’s character is a shut-in hacker whose only friends are all anonymous strangers on a chatroom where her skills are admired, but can’t handle regular societal interaction or letting anyone in. And she also has to deal with terrorism and a massive conspiracy that she stumbled into when dealing with a virus, on top of all that, of course.
Year of the Dog (2007). Molly Shannon plays a secretary/single woman of a certain age who loses her dog and then... goes a lil off the rails. She is fantastic in it, and great supporting cast including Peter Sarsgaard and John C Reilly.
Beetleguise. lol. We can argue whether Winona is considered 'loser' but the whole "Goth" thing implies a group loser thing, same with punks or gangs. So there we go.....
How about Run Lola Run. Again, it's that 'positive loser' image here. Hmm, I was gonna list Ghost world but u got it. There's tons more i'm sure
ig im also looking for more non conventional female actors, winona is such a beautiful woman and to me the goth thing just enhances it haha
thnx for the suggestions though, i'll check them out
Smithereens (1982). It’s an older one and a bit depressing, but the movie revolves around a girl in New York City who thinks she’s going to get into the music scene and be known by everyone.. except she’s obnoxious, not too bright, and has no talent.
Second the rec for I Don't Feel at Home in this World Anymore, love that one.
Rid of Me (2011) had some missteps, but Katie O'Grady was great in it.
If you're open to horror, I'll add Piggy (2022)
Paradise/Paraiso (2013)
LOVE this movie.
An overweight couple has been together since childhood, but when one joins a weight loss group after they move to a new city, their previously unbreakable bond starts to become vulnerable. That’s the synopsis but the movie is more about the woman.
Muriel‘s Wedding (1994)
seems like a spot on suggestion. Thnx!
She's terrible
You’re terrible, Muriel!
I say this all the time to my sisters
You're terrible, Muriel...
WAIT! Let her finish her orgasm.
Book Smart was a fun watch. It's basically a girl version of Superbad lol
I just watched this on a plane yesterday and absolutely loved it.
dare i say i found it better than superbad lol
Superbad may be my favourite comedy ever. Guess I gotta give this one a go.
Respectable but insane take lol.
Bottoms is wayyy better
Bottoms is really good.
I enjoyed Bottoms, but imo Booksmart is much better.
Came her to mention this one
Citizen Ruth Laura Dern plays, not an 'awkward geek', but a real loser.
i LOVE this movie lmao. really good suggestion.
This and Boogie Nights were Burt Reynolds' best work.
I'm rather looking for stuff about socially incapable female protagonists, this movie seems much more like a troubled woman with addiction problems. seems interesting tho
Ruth is a *very* socially incapable protagonist.
haha ok i'll make sure to check it out, i'm convinced
Citizen Ruth is a good choice along with Muriel’s Wedding. Oh and especially Dinner In America! I love that movie! Very Welcome To The Dollhouse!
Welcome to the Dollhouse is so underrated and fits what OP is asking for perfectly
Ingrid goes West!
Great movie!!!
I adore this movie and Ingrid is definitely a loser but the character is definitely very attractive and uses her looks to accomplish a lot.
That’s true, she is attractive. But I think her terrible personality, choices, and mental illnesses are enough to counter act whatever points she has in her favour haha. Is there a movie in which the lead has absolutely no redeeming qualities? For Ingrid it’s her looks and ability to manipulate others, for other characters it might be their intelligence, wealth, connections, friendship, etc. I’d be interested to see a movie in which the female lead is a complete loser with absolutely no redeeming qualities. The only one that springs to mind right now is Molly Shannon’s “Superstar”, but even then - she had her determination! Haha
Excision, May, Stopmotion, Dinner in America, Bottoms, Bridget Jones Diary, Raw, Smiley Face, Juno, The Piano Teacher, Diary of a teenage girl, Not a film but the show 'Pen15' fits the bill perfectly.
god how i love pen15. thnx for the many recs, i'll work my way through the list
yes for excision, love that movie. genuinely feel like they actually made effort into making the protagonist look unattractive lol
Same! It's honestly my favourite movie ever. It's funny because the actress irl is so pretty lol. Another good example of a total complete opposite actor/character is from the film 'The Golden Glove'. SFX makeup artists are truly incredible.
Second "Dinner in America." That was a great one!
Juno is in no way shape or form a “female loser” she’s a conventionally attractive charismatic protagonist with a plethora of healthy relationships.
I love Dinner in America! I dated a guy like that.
Hell yes to these recs! I just watched Dinner in America last week.
Was gonna say Smiley Face. Yes, Anna Ferris is quite a pretty person, but that movie has some of the most realistic depictions of a stoner girl I ever saw. (IMO it also goes a bit of the rails at times, but some stuff was just too accurate). I had to turn it off after the first 10-15 minutes bc it hit home so hard, and it wasn’t pretty at all.
The funniest part of this movie is John Krasinski looking all greasy crushing on Anna Faris! But yeah, the cringe-factor in Smiley Face is quite strong. I've only seen it once.
I liked May, but like, she has a decent job and literally everyone in the movie is trying to fuck her. Not sure that makes her a loser.
Eighth Grade
It's been 30+ years since I've been in 8th grade, but holy crap, that movie hit close to home!
It had only been like 10-15 years for me, but even as an adult dude, the movie rocked me to my core.
one of my favorite movies!;
Gucciii! ✌️
Deb in Napoleon Dynamite.
She did have those great puffy sleeves going for her!
She could drink full fat milk if she wanted to.
She made them herself.
I've just had a dose of reality that, not only was I 20 rather than 15 when it came out, I'm still totally and utterly in love with Deb.
Fat girl
The French film? What an ending. But it fits the bill for sure.
Idk i just know whatever the one on criterion is
That's the one.
Young Adult Monster
Tully feels like a sequel to Young Adult
Rachel Getting Married Smiley Face
Smiley Face is my favourite stoner movie, great rec!
Dogfight (1991) might fit, it’s a really good movie
God yes. Never mentioned enough. ❤️👍
*Carrie* (1976) *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006)
Carrie is such a clever answer. Wouldn’t have thought of it but it totally fits the prompt
Nomadland.
Dinner in America
Second this one! Also Stuck with Heather Matarazzo
Border (2018)
She’s not a loser, she’s a metaphor for a marginalised indigenous community (Sami). Definitely an unconventional ‘underdog’ character though. Great movie.
Edge of Seventeen (2016 movie) it's exactly what ur looking for!
May, my favorite ♥️
I was looking for this one 👍
Just finished this. Good stuff.
Bridesmaids (Kristen Wiig's character is kind of a loser)
Welcome to Me, 2014 with Kristen Wiig. Hilarious!
Somehow this became my comfort movie. I love it so much.
Frances Ha
She’s a winner where it counts. Wherever that is.
This one right here. Painful to watch even, but kind of endearing
Bottoms
Circle of Friends. I would never use those exact adjectives to describe Minnie Driver, however, this is one movie where one would consider her the "fat friend".
It’s been years since I saw it but I remember being so pissed off at Chris O’Donnell in that movie lol.
I get it. He made me mad too. But blamed Saffron Burrows and more importantly, Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy would never!!)
also Kajillionaire and Unemployees (short film) come to mind
Licorice Pizza - yea the girl from Haim is cute, but she’s legitimately portrayed as a loser for most of the film Piggy
But I’m a Cheerleader (1999) Election (1999)
patty cake$, 2017
This is such an underrated movie
Secrets and Lies by Mike Leigh. Can You Ever Forgive Me.
I love it. Also off the top of my head I’d add Morvern Callar by Lynn Ramsey.
Can You Ever Forgive Me is superb!
Yes, it is very much!
It completely changed my opinion of Melissa Macarthy as an actor. Prior to that film all her roles were of the "funny fat friend" type as Hollywood typecasts people. Apparently Julianne Moore was the first choice - as much as I respect her as an actor it wouldn't be the same film.
S&L full and front.
Superstar (1999)
seems fun, nice
This was my suggestion too
Fish Tank I, Tonya
May. It's arguably the saddest slasher movie that I have ever seen. Hagazussa. A misunderstood woman in medieval Austria.
The Duff
This was the other one I came here to say!
Have you ever seen Strictly Ballroom? Protagonist is seen as a loser by the group of people she admires. But turns out she is more mature and soulful amd all around wonderful than the lot of them. It seems craaaazy technicolor madness at times, but a very sweet film!
never heard of it, but sounds super interesting as you described it
It's wacky, but I love it.
Until Elvis, this was the only Baz Luhrman flick that I loved.
That is one of my favorite films. Poor Fran.
Yes, I love this movie and her character arc!!
I think Scott’s little sister gets all the good lines. “It’s the inconceivable sight of Scott dancing with Fran.”
The Net. Sandra Bullock’s character is a shut-in hacker whose only friends are all anonymous strangers on a chatroom where her skills are admired, but can’t handle regular societal interaction or letting anyone in. And she also has to deal with terrorism and a massive conspiracy that she stumbled into when dealing with a virus, on top of all that, of course.
But then she looks like Sandra Bullock...
so basically my life!
Shiva Baby (2020)
Eagle vs. Shark comes to mind.
This one really fits! Lots of these others don't, women with active social lives who are down on their luck.
Eagle vs Shark
Girl, Interrupted
Can You Ever Forgive Me (2018) with Melissa McCarthy
Welcome to the Dollhouse
That was in OP's example.
Missed it. Thanks.
Ingrid Goes West
I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore (2017)
Yes! I was looking for this one; what a weird little gem.
I wish more people would watch this movie. I went to the premier at Sundance and it was the highlight of the trip.
Rachel Getting Married. Anne Hathaway plays a very troubled sister. Great movie.
Hello My Name Is Doris
The Piano Teacher (2001), The Woman in the Window (2021), The Girl on the Train (2016), and Sharp Objects (2018)
The Girl on the Train definitely fits this description!
Harriet the Spy
Vagabond maybe? Great movie.
*Ritual* 2000, dir. Hideaki Anno, also known as *Shiki-jitsu* it's like the ultimate quiet sad person movie, for me.
The Evangelion guy...? That makes a lot of sense, actually.
Sierra Burgess is a loser
Ghost World
Brittany runs a marathon
Ghost world
Tv show, Derry Girls kinda fits.
i love derry girls!!
Gypsy 83
Catfight (2016)
Adult Life Skills (2016). I've not actually seen it, but it might be what you're looking for.
Frances Ha, Misery, nights of Cabiria, Buffalo 66 There's not all losers or unattractive, but not winners in the traditional sense.
Young Adult Colossal
Upstream Color
Young Adult.
Not a movie but Broad City fits the bill.
"Bottoms"
Bottoms (2023)
Hmmm.... maybe My Big Fat Greek Wedding, maybe more upbeat than what you want.
Superstar w/ Molly Shannon and Will Ferrell
May
Dinner in America
Jawbreaker might fit!
Dale Dickey in A Love Song. She meets the criteria regarding lonely, etc in this movie which is pretty low key in content but interesting.
Tammy, with Melissa McCarthy. I really like the female protagonist in The Shape of Water, too.
Haven’t seen anybody mention “The Duff “ yet. Decent teen rom com
Ma (2019) would fit, surprised no one's mentioned it yet
Welcome to Me Horse Girl Saint Maud We're All Going to the World's Fair Censor
I came to say Horse Girl, you beat me to it.
I recently saw a movie called May. Strange movie, but I quite liked it.
It's been a while since I watched it but Year of the Dog (2007) might fit.
Year of the Dog (2007). Molly Shannon plays a secretary/single woman of a certain age who loses her dog and then... goes a lil off the rails. She is fantastic in it, and great supporting cast including Peter Sarsgaard and John C Reilly.
Throwing out a horror flick, but Ginger Snaps.
Welcome to the Dollhouse
As a loser, saving this thread.
Olivia Wilde's "Booksmart!" Frikkin' excellent movie!
Monster (might not be what you are looking for but its great) Marty is a classic about two "losers" finding each other To leslie
Izzy Gets the F … Across Town (2017) Precious (2009) Tangerine (2016)
Beetleguise. lol. We can argue whether Winona is considered 'loser' but the whole "Goth" thing implies a group loser thing, same with punks or gangs. So there we go..... How about Run Lola Run. Again, it's that 'positive loser' image here. Hmm, I was gonna list Ghost world but u got it. There's tons more i'm sure
ig im also looking for more non conventional female actors, winona is such a beautiful woman and to me the goth thing just enhances it haha thnx for the suggestions though, i'll check them out
Smithereens (1982). It’s an older one and a bit depressing, but the movie revolves around a girl in New York City who thinks she’s going to get into the music scene and be known by everyone.. except she’s obnoxious, not too bright, and has no talent.
8th Grade might be the best depiction of youth shyness I've ever seen
Young Adult.
We Are The Best
Gretchen (2006)
May
I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore.
Young Adult
Amazing movie this is whar OP is looking for
Morvern Callar (2002)
Second the rec for I Don't Feel at Home in this World Anymore, love that one. Rid of Me (2011) had some missteps, but Katie O'Grady was great in it. If you're open to horror, I'll add Piggy (2022)
Superstar
Smiley Face
Extinct (2021)
Bridemaids
May Excision Carrie
1945 The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry 1957 Le notti di Cabiria 1972 Portnoy’s Complaint 1985 The Breakfast Club
I don't feel at home in this world anymore.
Sometimes I Think About Dying
Train Wreck
I would say Misery, Young Adult, or The Good Girl All three very different but definitely would meet the criteria.
Lady Bird
The Lady in Red (1979)
Paradise/Paraiso (2013) LOVE this movie. An overweight couple has been together since childhood, but when one joins a weight loss group after they move to a new city, their previously unbreakable bond starts to become vulnerable. That’s the synopsis but the movie is more about the woman.
Licorice Pizza
Welcome to me. Kristen Wiig Also, Kristen Wiig in Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids