Movies by Josie Rourke

Josie Rourke is a visionary film director whose work is marked by a meticulous attention to historical detail and a deep empathy for complex, often misunderstood female characters. Though she began her career in the theater, directing acclaimed productions for the National Theatre, Rourke has proven herself a masterful storyteller on the silver screen as well. Her 2018 film Mary Queen of Scots is a prime example of Rourke's cinematic prowess. Starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie in career-defining performances, the film offers a nuanced, psychologically rich portrait of the ill-fated 16th-century monarch, subverting traditional historical narratives to shine a light on the sexism and political machinations that shaped her tragic downfall. Rourke's keen visual eye and talent for drawing out layered, human portrayals from her actors have also been showcased in films like the joyful 2021 musical Rhythm of Life and the biting political satire The Nan Movie from 2022. Whether tackling sweeping period dramas or contemporary social commentary, Josie Rourke brings a bold, feminist perspective to her work, using the medium of film to amplify the voices of women and challenge dominant historical and cultural narratives. Her unique cinematic vision has already cemented her status as one of the most vital and distinctive directorial voices of her generation.