'Just How Things Are … ': Traumatic Lives in Natasha Kermani's Lucky. Issue 111 (2nd January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sandes, Jasmine
• Is Part Of: Australian feminist studies. Volume 37:Issue 111(2022)
• Page Start: 54
• Page End: 70
• Publication Date: 2022-01-02
• Subjects: Lucky -- #MeToo -- postfeminism -- trauma -- Lauren Berlant; Feminism -- Periodicals; Feminism -- Australia -- Periodicals; Women's studies -- Periodicals; Women's studies -- Australia -- Periodicals; 305.42
• DOI: 10.1080/08164649.2022.2103395
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0816-4649

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article discusses cinematic engagement with cyclical gendered violence and a present saturated in crisis in the film Lucky . As part of the broader cultural conversation about gendered violence and the #MeToo movement, this film presents an image of life after trauma and the dissonance between neoliberal feminisms that champion 'self-empowerment', and the ongoing crisis-state of traumatic aftermath. I argue that Lucky depicts the failures of postfeminist sensibilities to address systemic gendered violence, and the continued exclusion of women of colour from movements like #MeToo. Lucky staunchly resists demands for closure over trauma. This article explores the film's lack of resolution and perpetual sense of confusion as literalising the idea of living through a contemporary moment saturated in crisis. I argue that the film demonstrates both institutional and interpersonal failures to adequately respond to gendered violence, gesturing towards the need for support networks between victim-survivors.