Watch Beauty Bites Beast

Beauty Bites Beast is a documentary film that explores the idea of women's self-defense and empowerment in a world where violence against women is all too common. The film was released in 2015 and is directed by Ellen Snortland, a writer, actor, and advocate for human rights. The film features interviews with a variety of women who have experienced violence firsthand, as well as with self-defense experts, law enforcement officials, and advocates for women's rights. Among these interviewees are Lisa Long, who survived a brutal sexual assault and went on to become an advocate for self-defense; Bob Joles, a renowned self-defense instructor who has trained military and law enforcement personnel for decades; and Dolores Huerta, a civil rights activist who worked alongside Cesar Chavez to organize farm workers.

The film is structured around a series of case studies that illustrate the various ways in which women can learn to defend themselves against violent attacks. These case studies include a group of women in rural India who have formed a self-defense organization to protect themselves from rape and other forms of violence; a young woman in Los Angeles who learns to defend herself after being robbed at gunpoint; and a single mother who takes self-defense classes in order to feel more confident and secure in her daily life.

Throughout the film, Snortland explores the social and cultural factors that contribute to violence against women, including gender norms, cultural attitudes toward sexuality, and the ways in which power is distributed in society. The film also highlights the ways in which self-defense can be empowering for women, giving them the tools they need to protect themselves and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate violence.

One of the key themes of Beauty Bites Beast is the idea that self-defense is not just a physical practice, but a psychological and emotional one as well. The film argues that in order to effectively defend themselves, women must first overcome the mental barriers that often prevent them from fighting back. This includes developing a sense of confidence and assertiveness, as well as learning to trust their instincts and listen to their bodies.

The film does not shy away from the difficult and often traumatic realities of violence against women, but it also offers a message of hope and resilience. Through interviews with survivors and self-defense experts, the film emphasizes the power of community and the importance of banding together to support one another in the face of violence.

In terms of its filmmaking, Beauty Bites Beast is visually engaging and well-crafted. The film utilizes a mix of talking head interviews, archival footage, and on-location footage to tell its story, and the pacing is brisk and engaging throughout. The film's score, composed by Emmy-winning composer James T. Sale, adds an element of emotional resonance to the proceedings.

Overall, Beauty Bites Beast is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of women's self-defense and empowerment. Although the film is centered around the idea of physical self-defense, it ultimately has larger implications for building a more just and equitable society, one in which women are safe, respected, and able to fully participate in all aspects of civic life.