UPDATE: Has Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears Solved the Case of the Missing Feminist Superhero?

In 2017, we introduced you to Lynn Reed, a political operative turned screenwriter and film producer who was one of the many women who supported the production of the film Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears. Since today is the film’s theater launch date in the U.S., we have a few updates to share.

We’re pleased to report that the film is already gaining much deserved success. It premiered on January 4 with three sold out screenings at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, and its premiere a month later to an audience of 1,200 people in Australia was what the theater manager called “the biggest night we’ve ever run at the Orpheum.” The film went on to gross over A$1.24 million (US$800,000) and is still going strong a few weeks later, earning A$2.3 million (US$1.5 million) last weekend. In addition to today’s U.S. theater launch, Miss Fisher will start streaming on Acorn TV beginning March 23rd.

Essie Davis as Phryne Fisher

When doing press for the film, star Essie Davis has regularly talked about the impact of her character, Phryne Fisher, on women who watch the TV show, how the character helps them find a reservoir of confidence and joy that allows them to be more brave in their own lives. Essie Davis to Cinema Australia:

It’s quite extraordinary how much Phryne touches people’s lives. People tell me that Phryne saved their life. I’m profoundly humbled by that and I’ve witnessed the joy of people dressing up to go to the cinema and I’ve seen people coming together from all walks of life, all genders, and everyone having a really great time. There’s something about Phryne that’s really empowering for people.

Read the original post, “Solving the Case of the Missing Feminist Superhero,” to learn about women in film and the need for more feminist superheros.