In the 1970s, at the height of the women’s liberation movement, there emerged a publication that sought to bridge the gap between activists and everyday women. Led by Gloria Steinem, Ms. magazine brought the revolution to women’s doorsteps—it reminded them of their rights, empowered them to stand up for themselves, and encouraged them to live full, independent lives. Dear Ms. is a beautiful tribute to the magazine, as well as a timely reminder of how powerful women’s voices can be. The documentary is divided into three parts, each of which discusses iconic issues Ms. magazine has released over the years. The first part tackles race and intersectionality; the second, sexual harassment; and the third, pornography. The film welcomes both praise and backlash, celebration and criticism—there is nuance, yet it still feels incomplete at times. Dear Ms. sometimes feels like a visualized Wikipedia page, repeating what has already been said in the past. But its messages are so potent and relevant to today’s atmosphere, it’s quite easy to look past those gaps and just enjoy the documentary for what it is.
"Despite its flaws, “Dear Ms.: A Revolution in Print” reminds us that authenticity is essential in acquiring and retaining acceptance and relevance, a message we need to hear now more than ever."
— Cortlyn Kelly
Three filmmakers dive deep into the storied and complex legacy of Ms. magazine through the lens of some of its most iconic covers, featuring never-before-seen archival footage and engaging interviews with the powerful women who shaped the magazine at its inception over fifty years ago
Divided into three parts, Dear Ms. is a documentary where directors Salima Koroma, Alice Gu, and Cecilia Aldarondo each explore an influential (and controversial) issue of the feminist magazine.
Why HBO decided to stitch three different parts into one whole eludes me. It could’ve been a decent three-episode series; instead, it’s a film that has more than a few overlaps and a lackluster ending.
The fact that Ms.’s “revolutionary” ideas continue to be radical in this day and age should be more than a little concerning.
