Netflix has released a trailer for a new film titled Ladies First, featuring Sacha Baron Cohen and Rosamund Pike in a gender-swap comedy that satirises a world dominated by women. The movie follows a man who, after a head injury, awakens to a reality where women hold all power, leading to humorous and exaggerated scenarios such as a female pope and renamed landmarks like Queen's Cross.
Historical Inspiration from The Two Ronnies
This premise bears a striking resemblance to The Worm That Turned, a sketch from the 1980s BBC series The Two Ronnies. That serialised story depicted a dystopian 2012 society where women, inspired by Margaret Thatcher's rise, took control, enforcing changes like closing The Playboy Club and renaming Big Ben to Big Brenda. Men were forced into dresses, with the plot humorously highlighting their oppression until they discovered women's fear of mice.
Modern Reactions and Cultural Context
Despite its age, The Worm That Turned continues to resonate, with some online commenters mistaking it for a documentary, reflecting ongoing societal debates about gender roles. Ladies First, however, updates this concept with contemporary humour, including scenes where Baron Cohen endures waxing and wears impractical underwear, while Pike delivers sharp, witty dialogue.
Comparisons to Other Films
Ladies First also draws inspiration from Mel Gibson's 2000 comedy What Women Want, both exploring chauvinists grappling with female perspectives. More directly, it is based on the 2018 French film I Am Not an Easy Man by Éléonore Pourriat, which itself remade her 2010 short Majorité Opprimée. The short film takes a darker, more serious approach, addressing themes of sexual assault and societal neglect without comedy, offering a stark contrast to the lighter tone of Ladies First.
Critical Analysis and Recommendations
While Ladies First appears to lack nuance, focusing on broad humour, its predecessors provide deeper social commentary. Majorité Opprimée, in particular, stands out for its raw portrayal of gender-based injustice, making it a compelling watch for those interested in the subject matter. As Ladies First prepares for release, viewers might find value in exploring these earlier works to understand the evolution of gender-swap satire in film and television.
