Austin Film Festival Movie Review: ‘Lady Parts’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Amy Lyndon and Valentina Tammaro as Linda and Paige in Bonnie Gross and Nancy Boyd’s LADY PARTS. (Photo Courtesy of the Austin Film Festival.)

If there is one particular question that we often ask ourselves in this life, it would have to be… what does one have to do to feel happy and fulfilled? Because deep down we all know that waking up in the morning with a sense of glee and a sense of purpose, goes a long way. It makes us productive; it aids our mental and physical health and above all, it signals that we’ve done something wondrous with our life. Something that truly makes us feel as though we are leaving our mark and doing something special. But we also ask ourselves that question, because… well… we aren’t there quite yet, and we aren’t exactly in the best place when we do ponder upon it.
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Because there is a fight to get to that point. One that involves setbacks and failures and moments that seemingly keep us down, and sometimes we ponder upon that question because our physical and mental health are in the tank, and we want that to end. We want to feel better. But alas, that’s where we are in that moment, rudderless and worried about finding peace and well, what does go into finding what we want when we are in a place where we aren’t happy or fulfilled? What specific steps start moving us toward that better tomorrow and better place? Well as it turns out, there are far simpler steps than we know to make that happen, and they are explored in a magnificent motion picture that recently screened at the Austin Film Festival in Lady Parts.

All of which, this story accomplishes, by introducing us to a writer named Paige who is at a crossroads in her life. In part because, her career is moving at a snail’s pace, and she knows that if given the chance she could do some amazing things as a writer in Hollywood. But also, because she just doesn’t feel well mentally or physically. For she’s dealt with one failed relationship after another, and intimacy in her relationships is a chore and painful to boot. Which leaves her wondering, what could be done to feel better, and a consult with a doctor… offers her one potential solution. In that, a potential surgery to clear up what’s causing the physical pain in her vagina, could be the start of a new chapter. Provided of course, she can stomach leaving her dreams behind at a critical moment to move back in with her parents to heal and reset.

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Which is… the perfect way to answer those all-important questions. Because Paige goes on a powerful healing journey in this story. One where she solves a physical problem and in being forced to rest and reflect, she begins to work on healing herself as well. Which allows for her to refocus her passion, think upon what she wants out of life and well, that leads to those critical answers we seek. In that, we won’t find peace and fulfillment by way of our career path or through coping through pain. We find it… by taking care of ourselves. By healing physically and mentally and by learning to love the person we see in the mirror every single day. For when we do that, we find peace, we find we are okay with who we are and then we can go out and achieve wonders, and that’s a wonderful answer/message to find in this film.
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One that believe it or not, offers so much more than just an uplifting message about self-love and healing. For this is also, a bold feature. In large part, because this story takes the time to address women’s sexuality and desire, and how we (men) often in this life, put a ton of pressure upon women to be objects of desire and be receptive to all things sexual. Regardless of what they are feeling or what they need emotionally and physically, and that’s definitely bold and new to see in film since sexuality from a women’s perspective is so taboo, as is the other important aspect of this film. In that, it also speaks to women’s health on a level that few stories ever have, and that’s huge. Because there should be no mystique around women’s health because everyone’s health is important and struggles with it are natural, and it is refreshing to see this story point that out in a frank manner. 

All of which brings forth, a brilliant feature. One that is deeply relatable, since we will or have asked the very question that Paige does here, and we will go on our own journey to find that personal peace and fulfillment. Not to mention, it is so wonderful that this film takes the time to showcase women’s health and their sexuality in a frank and direct manner that shatters stigma, and it even ponders upon the complexities of family. All of which comes courtesy of writer Bonnie Gross’ lovely script, and Nancy Boyd’s wonderful direction. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this movie features nuanced and layered performances from its cast, with Valentina Tammaro leading the charge as Paige, and her performance, and the work of the supporting cast just adds to the richness of a beautiful story. One that reminds us that happiness starts from within, and the sooner we heal ourselves, the faster we get to where we want to be.

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