Over the last year, film and television have experienced a notable increase in female leads embracing their “villain era.” From psychological thrillers such as Rose Glass’s *Love Lies Bleeding* and Zoë Kravitz’s *Blink Twice* to horror comedies like Zelda Williams’ *Lisa Frankenstein* and Coralie Fargeat’s *The Substance*, women are redefining the narrative. These movies capture the intense energy of feminine fury, employing horror elements such as trauma, violence, and vengeance to confront patriarchal norms and societal expectations regarding women’s behavior, in both personal and professional contexts.

The emergence of the “bad girl” in media is not a recent trend—scholars like Catharine Lumby and Roxane Gay have been analyzing this character type for years. Nonetheless, the present surge of morally intricate female roles signals an increasing presence of women filmmakers carving out space in a genre historically overseen by male directors. Influential works like Barbet Schroeder’s *Single White Female*, Adrian Lyne’s *Fatal Attraction*, and Takashi Miike’s *Audition* have set the stage, but contemporary creators are further expanding the limits.

Directors like Julia Ducournau (*Raw*, *Titane*), Ana Lily Amirpour (*A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night*), and Phoebe Waller-Bridge (*Killing Eve*) have paved the way for narratives focusing on morally ambiguous women who reject the “good girl” stereotype. These characters, while centered on female experiences, resonate with viewers of all genders, representing a refreshing transformation in storytelling. Freudian cinephile and pop psychoanalyst Mary Wild characterizes this movement as “liberating,” noting that it grants actresses the opportunity to delve into complexity and depth. “Audiences are enthralled by this,” she states, as are stars like Ella Purnell, Melissa Barrera, and Alice Lowe, who regard these roles as crucial in challenging conventional female narratives.

### *Sweetpea*: A Female Serial Killer’s Journey

Ella Purnell, recognized for her roles in *Yellowjackets*, *Arcane*, and *Fallout*, takes on the role of a female serial killer in *Sweetpea*, a dark comedy series on Sky Atlantic. Adapted from C.J. Skuse’s novel, Purnell portrays Rhiannon, a receptionist who, after years of bullying and misogyny, embarks on a killing spree. Purnell found the character intriguing, particularly the challenge of fostering audience empathy for a woman who commits murder. “A woman barely has to do anything to mess up, and you lose the audience,” she remarks, highlighting the gendered bias in how viewers assess male and female antiheroes.

Writer Kirstie Swain crafted *Sweetpea* as a prequel to the book, examining Rhiannon’s evolution into a killer. “It’s almost as if the audience needs an emotional justification for why a woman would kill,” Swain clarifies. The series explores Rhiannon’s frustrations and her sense of invisibility, portraying her murders as a symbol of reclaiming power. “She’s unnoticed, she kills, she is noticed,” Swain says, stressing how Rhiannon’s actions signify her increased self-assurance. Purnell adds, “No one is endorsing murder here, but watching a woman learn to assert herself is empowering.”

Rhiannon reimagines the “femme fatale” concept, which traditionally connects to sexual charm and manipulation. Instead, Purnell aimed to present a raw, unrefined iteration of the character, drawing inspiration from *Jennifer’s Body*, where a character becomes more vibrant as she embraces her darker tendencies. While Rhiannon doesn’t use sexuality to ensnare her victims, her newfound confidence influences her sexual expression, contesting patriarchal interpretations of female empowerment.

### *Your Monster*: A “Coming-of-Rage” Tale

Caroline Lindy’s *Your Monster* presents another perspective on female rage, centering on Laura (Melissa Barrera), a meek actress grappling with a breakup amid cancer treatment. Known for embodying strong survivors in films like *Scream* and *Abigail*, Barrera had to face her own biases regarding what constitutes a “strong female character.” “Laura is entirely a doormat,” Barrera confesses. “Initially, I felt embarrassed about that, but that’s the essence of the story.” The film delves into Laura’s emotional disintegration and eventual metamorphosis, culminating in a cathartic act of retribution against her ex.

The emergence of a monstrous entity compels Laura to confront her anger and demand respect, culminating in a violent Broadway confrontation. “Films allow you to fulfill the fantasy,” Barrera articulates, describing how the film channels the universal longing for justice against those who harm us. Horror, as noted by Mary Wild, offers a platform to examine taboo topics in an exhilarating rather than punitive manner. Works like *Your Monster* and *Sweetpea* continue the legacy of *Promising Young Woman* and *Re