Author: Shaudi Bianca Vahdat
This year, Coralie Fargeat’s nomination for a Best Director Academy Award for her dark comedy film The Substance reignited industry-wide discussions about representation in this Oscar category. Despite the wealth of talented female directors, only eight women have ever been nominated for a Best Directing Oscar in the history of the awards as of February 2025. And across categories, the industry still has a long way to go in recognizing women, BIPOC, disabled, and openly queer creators.
By choosing what to watch and support, audiences can help drive greater representation at the Oscars. So to celebrate Fargeat’s nomination—and to spotlight more female filmmakers worth championing—we’re highlighting a few of our favorite dark comedy films directed by women. These movies combine biting humor, twisted expectations, and some very dark edges.
Here are five must-watch picks, listed alphabetically.
American Psycho (2000), directed by Mary Harron
This incredibly unsettling, violent film is a satirical exploration of the 1980’s American yuppie scene, directed by Mary Harron and based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis. Christian Bale delivers an unshakably chilling performance as Patrick Bateman, a psychopathic, image-obsessed Wall Street investment banker. The film’s sharp takes on themes like consumerism, isolation, and toxic masculinity remain as distinctive as ever.
(Heads up—be prepared for some intentionally offensive language, including the use of slurs.)
Glass Casa (2024), directed by Laa Marcus
Writer-director Laa Marcus helms a female-centered ensemble cast in this hilarious comedy murder mystery. Harley Bronwyn stars as Jamie, a bride-to-be hoping for a low-key bachelorette party at the gorgeous house she’s rented with her crew. But from the start, something feels off—and as the evening unfolds, the celebrations spiral wildly and murderously out of control.
Glass Casa is packed with distinctive, offbeat characters, and just when you think you know where it’s going, the story takes some hugely unexpected turns. It’s a comedy murder mystery lover’s dream, with enough laughs and crazy plot twists to keep you guessing till the end.
Jennifer’s Body (2009), directed by Karyn Kusama
This underrated horror comedy has been having a bit of a renaissance lately, as viewers and critics recognize that there’s a lot more to the Karyn Kusama-directed, Diablo Cody-written film than its original marketing suggested.
Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried star as high school BFFs who find themselves caught up in a dark world of demon possession, murder, and a taste for human flesh. Over time, the film has been embraced as a cult classic, particularly in many feminist and queer communities, earning praise for its exploration of the relationship between Fox and Seyfried’s characters, and for its fresh take on the horror genre.
(Heads up—be prepared for some outdated offensive language, including casual use of slurs.)
Not Okay (2022), directed by Quinn Shephard
Lies, influencer culture, and performative activism take center stage in writer-director Quinn Shephard’s very funny and often cringey film. Zoey Deutch stars as Danni, a young woman who finds the attention and followers she longs for after lying about surviving a tragedy. But as the lies get out of hand, Danni is forced to confront some hard truths about social media and relationships.
The Substance (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat
Rounding out our list is the body horror dark comedy The Substance, written and directed by Coralie Fargeat. Demi Moore gives a career-defining performance as Elizabeth Sparkle, a TV fitness personality who’s told by Hollywood—and her boss, a brilliantly revolting Dennis Quaid—that she’s past her prime as a desirable woman. But when she learns about a mysterious product called the Substance, she gets an unexpected opportunity to reclaim her youth and stardom via a younger, perfected quasi-clone (a wonderful Margaret Qualley).
Every frame of this highly stylized film is crafted with intention and elevated by some truly remarkable prosthetic and practical effect work. But what really sets it apart is the unapologetic point of view it takes on the male gaze and the objectification of female bodies. And be warned: it is also very, very gross.
We hope you enjoy your watch of these brilliant dark comedies! And if you’re ready to stream Glass Casa, we’ve got all the links for you below:
- APPLE TV: Watch here
- AMAZON PRIME: Watch here
- VIMEO: Watch here
- FANDANGO: Watch here
- ON DEMAND: Watch here
Happy streaming! Let me know if you’d like me to adjust anything or add more context to the piece. 🚀