10 movies and series where women solve cases. Jessica Fletcher, Nancy Drew, Temperance Brennan… For some time now, the world of fiction has been showing us how women unravel the most complex and convoluted cases. However, with the recent rise of feminism in recent years, female characters leading investigations have multiplied, and that’s fantastic news!
Following the recent releases of The Innocent and Mare of Easttown, it’s time to delve into the audiovisual world in search of other detectives or police officers we’d want on our side when things get tough. From iconic characters of popular culture to national law enforcers rivaling major American productions, here are 10 series and movies where a woman is the one catching the serial killer or rapist.
The Innocent
The plot of The Innocent revolves around Mateo Vidal, a young man who ends up in prison after a fatal incident. However, leading the story is Inspector Lorena Ortiz, portrayed by Alexandra Jiménez. Ortiz becomes the character viewers fully trust, holding onto hope for a just resolution. In this intriguing thriller, the inspector emerges as the voice of reason in a chaotic world, playing a pivotal role in a plot that has captivated audiences worldwide. In Spain, we know how to craft thrillers and create powerful female characters!
Mare of Easttown
The charismatic Kate Winslet introduces us to Mare Sheehan, a detective sergeant in a small town in Pennsylvania, in Mare of Easttown. Sheehan quickly earns her place in this story when faced with a gruesome murder and the disappearance of a second victim. As pressure mounts, Mare must solve the case while grappling with personal criticisms, questioning her ability to lead the investigation. Mare of Easttown is a series that has sparked much interest and conversation.
Unbelievable
When a young woman reports a rape and isn’t believed, her fate rests in the hands of two complete strangers. Grace Rasmussen (Toni Colette) and Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever), two detectives from Colorado, join forces to catch a serial rapist. Colette and Wever’s performances received great praise, both for their acting skills and the relevance of their characters today. In Unbelievable, based on real events, the fact that they are women holds special significance, as none of the men involved in the process trust the victim’s testimony.
Big Sky
In Big Sky, private detective Cassie Dewell (Kylie Bunbury) collaborates with former police officer Jenny Hoyt (Katheryn Winnick) to solve the disappearance of two sisters, only to uncover a much larger case of kidnappings in the same area. Now, faced with a serial criminal, they must act swiftly to prevent more victims. Here, we not only have one female investigator, but two, racing against time to deliver justice.
Gone Girl
Directed by David Fincher, Gone Girl follows Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck), a suspect in the disappearance of his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike). From the start, Detective Rhonda Boney (Kim Dickens) mistrusts Dunne and gathers the necessary evidence to incriminate him. Her role is crucial in the film, and you’ll be surprised by how the story unfolds.
Top of the Lake
If you were captivated by Elisabeth Moss in Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale, you can’t miss Top of the Lake, a drama where Moss portrays Detective Robin Griffin, specializing in sexual abuse cases. Robin leads the investigation into the disappearance of a 12-year-old pregnant girl. It also has a sequel, China Girl, with excellent reviews for both installments.
I Am All Girls
This newcomer to Netflix introduces Jodie Snyman, played by South African actress Erica Wessels. In I Am All Girls, the protagonist doesn’t have a troubled past or a direct relationship with the killer; instead, she shares more similarities with him than she ever imagined. The serial killer’s target is Apartheid-era pedophiles, making her perhaps the perfect ally to end a child trafficking organization that has ruined lives for years.
Broadchurch
One of the standout British thrillers, Broadchurch, features an impressive cast, with Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Sergeant Ellie Miller being a highlight. Miller’s main challenge is her personal ties to the victim’s family. Throughout the series, she proves to be a great partner and displays infinite patience, sharing a case she believes should be hers alone.
The Killing
In The Killing, we meet Sarah Linden (Mireille Enos), a newly promoted detective assigned to a new location, who dedicates herself entirely to solving a crime that has shocked the city. The series shows how Sarah deals with loose ends pointing in various directions, living up to her reputation as an excellent investigator.
Veronica Mars
Changing the tone with Veronica Mars, a series blending drama with a touch of humor. The titular detective, Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell), is a brilliant teenage investigator juggling cases while attending high school. Throughout the series, she proves to be an exceptional detective, winning the affection of viewers.
Fargo (the last of the 10 movies and series where a woman is the one who solves the cases)
Two investigators deserve mention in Fargo, inspired by the famous Coen brothers’ film. Firstly, Molly Solverson (Alison Tolman), a rookie cop investigating a series of seemingly connected murders, and in the third season, Gloria Burgle (Carrie Coon), a police chief struggling to understand the world around her as much as she is to solve crimes.
With these ten movies and shows, it’s clear that women are perfectly capable of solving the most challenging and convoluted cases in the fictional world. From seasoned detectives to newcomers, these women demonstrate that gender doesn’t determine the ability to deliver justice.
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