Moxie

Moxie is a 2021 American comedy-drama film directed by Amy Poehler, based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Jennifer Mathieu. The story revolves around Vivian Carter, a shy 16-year-old high school student who feels suffocated by her restrictive school environment and the patriarchal society that governs it. Vivian lives a rather mundane life, always trying to please her parents and teachers. Her mother, also named Vivian, is a bit of an enigma to her daughter – an aspiring writer who gave up her dreams to have a family. Vivian Sr. shares with her daughter stories of her own rebellious teenage years, which fuels Vivian Jr.'s desire to break free from her own constraints. One day, Vivian meets a new student, Lucy, who shakes up her life with her boldness and confidence. Lucy is a free-spirited artist who is not afraid to express herself, and she inspires Vivian to take action against the sexism that pervades their school. The girls quickly become close friends and discover that they share a common goal: to challenge the male-dominated status quo. In an effort to effect change, Vivian starts an anonymous zine, which she calls Moxie. The publication becomes a platform for her and her friends to share their thoughts, stories, and experiences about sexism, inequality, and body positivity. The zine quickly gains traction, and soon, students from all over the school are contributing to it. However, not everyone is supportive of Vivian's initiative. The school's administration and some of the students' parents are outraged by the zine's content, which they deem "indecency" and "subversive." They try to shut down the publication and silence Vivian's voice. As Vivian navigates the challenges that come with being a nonconformist, she faces opposition from her parents, who want her to maintain the status quo and avoid any controversy. Her father, in particular, is a traditionalist who sees Vivian's activism as a threat to their family's reputation. Meanwhile, Vivian's relationships with her friends and family members begin to fray. She starts to realize that being a rebel comes with consequences, and that not everyone will understand or support her choices. Despite these challenges, Vivian remains committed to her cause, convinced that she can create a better world for herself and her fellow students. The film explores the themes of female empowerment, teenage angst, and the importance of taking risks. Throughout the story, Vivian learns to find her voice, express herself, and stand up for what she believes in. With the help of Lucy and her friends, Vivian creates a community that celebrates individuality and encourages students to think critically about their world. In the end, Vivian's Moxie zine becomes a catalyst for change at her school. The publication sparks a conversation about sexism and inequality, and the students begin to make their voices heard. The film concludes on a hopeful note, suggesting that even the smallest actions can lead to significant change. Moxie is a heartwarming and inspiring story that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like they don't fit in or want to challenge the status quo. The film's message is clear: girls can be powerful, and they should use their voices to speak out against injustice and inequality.