Finally! A film with three strong female leads - each delivering a stunning and nuanced performance of a woman faced with profound changes in her life.
In Steam, Kate Siegel (The OC) plays Elizabeth, a college co-ed who comes of age by breaking free of the strict parental bonds of her church-going father and passive mother. Falling for a young activist in her class, Elizabeth soon finds herself in the midst of group-home and parental home antics, alternately preparing safe sex kits and dreaming up ever more flamboyant excuses for missing church services. Finally coming out to her parents, in a jailhouse showdown, our young heroine finally turns the corner into adulthood - with all the promise and angst that becoming an adult entails. In the meantime, Ally Sheedy stars as Laurie, a single mother going through a bitter custody battle with her ex-husband. At the urging of her best friend, she begins dating her son's MUCH younger football coach, gaining a new lease on life and learning the true value she brings as mother, friend and lover.
Joining the two women in their steam room ritual of introspection is Doris, a newly-in-love widow played by the Oscar nomindated Ruby Dee (A Raisin in the Sun, Do the Right Thing, Jungle Fever, and Their Eyes Were Watching God). The three women, who bond and find tentative strength in each other's stories, finally flourish - away from the watchful eyes of parents, children and ex-lovers.

 

See the film Saturday, October 18 at AFI and join filmmaker Kyle Schickner, Ally Sheedy, and Kate Siegel for a Q&A after the film.

After the Q&A, join Reel Affirmations for the Women's Kick-off party at Jackie's!