Wives of the Skies

Wives of the Skies is an insightful and cleverly-cut drama sprinkled with a touch of dark comedy, released in 2020. The film centers around the lives of two stewardesses in the 1960s, marshalling them into the skies’ glamour-induced realities and mythologies. The intriguing movie is driven by an immaculate narration style and screenplay that retains your attention right from the very beginning.

The film introduces you to two main characters, Sally and Fran, competently portrayed by actresses Rachel Alig and Maddison Bullock, respectively. These two stewardesses find themselves in the glitzy and glamorous world of air travel in the 1960s. The movie effectively captures the glamor of the era marking when air travel was fashionable and stewardesses enjoyed celebrity-like status, complete with the challenges and realities this status brought.

Sally and Fran find a common thread of companionship, and they navigate the complexities of their careers together. As they partake in the merry and mischief-filled adventures universally occurring with the perks of their jobs, the movie deep dives into establishing profound character chemistry. Between their grueling training routines, struggling with male gaze and attention, and their own personal challenges, the storyline keeps the audience hooked throughout its duration.

In this environment, they are joined by a photographer named Derek, brought to life on-screen by actor Drew Brandon Jones. He is eager to document their experiences as air hostesses and takes a keen interest in their lives. Derek's interest in capturing them in his lens adds a new dimension to the movie. These unique sets of character interactions give life to a dramatic narrative, which carries the story forward to unforeseen twists and turns.

The department of photography in Wives of the Skies deserves special mention. With their skillful storytelling through the lens, they recreate the atmosphere of the 1960s seamlessly. The film visually romanticizes air travel of the bygone era, where fur coats, champagne, and smart suits were synonymous with flying. The intrinsic cinematographic brilliance throughout the film transports viewers back to a golden age where they can bask in the radiance of an era that was marked with hope, optimism, and a sense of fancy.

Subtle hints of humor are sprinkled throughout the movie, breaking the monotony, and keeping the storyline fresh and engaging. While the plot is primarily set in the 1960s, its themes, particularly the objectification of flight attendants, still holds relevance in today's scenario. It highlights the challenges these women faced in their roles, which were both demanding yet dismissed as trifles by the patriarchal world. The flick encompasses the journey of the characters as they break free from the stereotype to establish themselves as strong, independent women.

Wives of the Skies touches upon issues of feminism without leaning too heavily into them. The script is well-rounded with the right blend of comedy, drama, and serious undertones. The film strikes a chord in the hearts of viewers for its deft handling of the subjects and does an excellent job of making one empathize with the characters.

Both Rachel Alig and Maddison Bullock deliver compelling performances, making their characters tangible and real. Their performances are well complimented by Drew Brandon Jones, who perfectly embodies the character of the intrigued and enamored photographer.

Wives of the Skies' team does an extraordinary job transporting you to the 1960s. The film serves as an unexpected ride into an elegant past of air travel, the challenges of working women during the era and a progressive thread that still has the utmost relevance in the present. This blend of historical significance and feminist perspectives makes "Wives of the Skies" a worthy watch that both educates and entertains!