Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively LGBTQ+ docu has strong sex references, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rebel Dykes
What's the Story?
In REBEL DYKES, interviews and archive footage explore a movement of young lesbians in post-punk 1980s London. Combining activism and hedonism to challenge the representation of gay women, both within the community and beyond, the movement played an important role in LGBTQ+ history, paving the way for future generations.
Is It Any Good?
It's rare that a documentary really captures the raw energy of its subjects. But Rebel Dykes does all that and more in this fun, boisterous, gritty, sexy, political, and undeniably enjoyable film. Archive footage captures chaotic club nights, heated debate, and bold activism, while present-day interviews recall moments of friendships, love, and freedom.
The Rebel Dykes look back at their movement, telling stories of storming the House of Commons and disrupting the BBC News, as though sharing them with old friends over dinner. The accompanying animation gives the film a fanzine feel, drawing the audience ever closer into the folds of a previously overlooked moment in LGBTQ+ history. A movement that continues to influence the U.K. landscape today.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Rebel Dykes portrayed sex. Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How was the LGBTQ+ community treated in the documentary? What impact did they have in society both then and today? How did they show courage and teamwork?
Talk about the strong language used. What impact did it have on the film?
The documentary used a lot of archive footage. How important was this in the portrayal of the movement and era, compared to documentaries that rely more heavily on reconstructions?
How did the film explore the interactions between politics, feminism, and sexual liberation? In what ways were these seen to influence each other?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 17, 2021
- Cast : Karen Fisch , Debbie Smith , Lisa Power
- Directors : Harri Shanahan , Siân A. Williams
- Studio : British Film Institute
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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