Filmmaker Sheila McLaughlin's 1987 lesbian love story bears all the hallmarks of an independent effort from the 1980s, taking place in pre-gentrification New York and featuring static shots, minimally expressive acting, and an experimental score from jazz musician John Zorn. McLaughlin introduces her central couple as living different but complementary lives. Brazilian-American Agatha (Sheila Dabney) works as a lawyer and dresses simply, while bleached blonde Jo (Lois Weaver) makes movies and favors a more bohemian look. The title comes from Agatha's visions of Jo cheating on her with men—not off-base, since Jo has been keeping a journal of her heterosexual relationships. As the story continues, Jo works on a feature about Catalina (Kyle deCamp), a convent girl who resists the pressure to become a nun. Things eventually take a turn for the Hitchcockian when Agatha starts to follow Jo around. While there is no nudity here, the women's intimate encounters incorporate lingerie, pillow talk, and mild S&M, which leads to an amusing sex shop scene. Extras include an interview with McLaughlin and her 1978 short film Inside Out. Newly restored, this classic lesbian indie drama is recommended. (K. Fennessy)
She Must Be Seeing Things
First Run, 94 min., not rated, DVD: $24.95 Volume 30, Issue 4
She Must Be Seeing Things
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