The Portrayal of Women in Unbelievable Series by Lisa Cholodenko: A Social Feminist Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the portrayal of women in the Netflix series Unbelievable (2019) directed by Lisa Cholodenko through the perspective of Nancy Fraser’s social feminism. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method using feminist literary criticism as the research approach. The data consist of selected scenes, dialogues, and narrative events from the series that reflect women’s experiences within social and institutional structures. Data were collected through documentation techniques and analyzed through identification, classification, categorization, and interpretation stages based on Fraser’s theoretical framework. The findings reveal that the series portrays women as individuals who experience structural inequalities, institutional bias, and emotional trauma while simultaneously demonstrating resilience and agency. The dimension of economic justice is reflected in women’s financial vulnerability and limited institutional support. Intersectionality appears through the influence of social background and class on women’s credibility and treatment. Political representation is illustrated through women’s leadership and decision-making roles within law enforcement institutions. Meanwhile, care and social reproduction are reflected in emotional support, caregiving practices.