Bechdel Test Movie List

Murph talks to Lois at the dinner table. They discuss her work, if she is staying over and Lois's sons cough.

Casey Affleck's character is present at the table but is not a factor in the conversation at all.

The conversation at the table is about the son, i watched the film with the test in mind and it failed as far as i'm concerned

That is only the barest minimum of a margin by which it passes by the most liberal view, though. That was about a 5-second conversation, there were men involved in the conversation, and it was arguably about a man in that it was her continuation of a man's work.

Amelia Brand also speaks with younger Murph when they arrive at the base for the first time. They talk about the NASA base

Sometimes, I wonder if movies like this add a couple brief sentences between women JUST to pass the Bechdel test, now that it's so well-known...

This movie passes the test on a technicality, but fails in spirit.

I believe that's EXACTLY the case, Robin.

I don't believe Amelia and Murphy's interaction can be considered a conversation, since it is so short and I don't remember Murphy speaking at all during that scene.

I am pretty sure the "conversation" between Murph and Brand at NASA happens off screen. So, no.

I don't think this movie throws in those conversations "JUST to pass the Bechdel test." Murph is the one who, with the assistance of her father, saves everyone. It's even a joke at the end that the planet is named after her, and not her dad.

The conversation at the base doesn't count because Murph says nothing and it's only assumed there's a conversation. The conversation between Murph and Lois is about little Coop. This movie doesn't pass. A movie can have heroines and strong and well developed female characters and not pass the test. The test isn't an end all to proper female representation but it's a good start for criticism and analysis.

I agree with the rating, but it barely passes.

There are three named female characters: Amelia Brand (a main character), Murph (a main character seen as a child, adult, and elderly adult), and Lois (a minor character).

Amelia and child-Murph interact early in the film when they first visit NASA, but Murph does not say anything on screen. This scene does not pass, even though it is clear they have been talking off screen.

Later, an adult Murph is talking to Lois at the kitchen table. They talk about the house, Lois' job, and at the end of the conversation, Murph asks about the health of Lois' young son. Lois' husband is present at the table throughout this conversation, but he doesn't say anything and he doesn't seem to be paying attention. This scene passes, though the conversation is short.

Other interaction between female characters that do not qualify: 1) Murph records a video message for Amelia and Amelia is shown watching it later. 2) Murph tells Lois to pack because they are leaving, but Lois' response is not shown on screen.

This movie is not an easy pass, but it does pass. And though the film is male dominated, the characters of Murph and Amelia are vital to the plot.

This movie is awesome... Who cares if it passes or not? Bit it does pass, so there.

Not sure if qualifies as a "conversation", but Murph sends Amelia a video message about Dr. Brand passing away and how the entire purpose of the mission was bogus.

This film fails the test in more important ways. It associates women with being "emotional" and reinforces the white male heroic narrative. None of the minorities or women come off looking well or sympathetic. It not only fails to meet the barest minimum standards of the Bechdel test but fails to give any real nuance to anyone who isn't a white male.

I do see why the rating barely passes, but I don't agree with some of the comments. Although the move displays women being emotional, it also shows the male main character having an emotional episode as well. This was a really significant scene when he starts crying out for his daughter. I also think this movie gave a good attempt in crediting women. Obviously more effort needs to be put in to be more inclusive, but I don't think this movie reinforces any narrative. Its inclusive of women, but not of people of color.

I'm sorry, but how does this film associate women with being "emotional"? What specific part are you talking about?

The test does not designate a conversation length. Murph and Lois talk to each other about Murph staying the night and how her (Murph's) room is still the same but her (Lois's) sewing machine is in there. Murph declines because she has too many bad memories. Murph only comments on the son's cough indirectly by mentioning she knows somebody but not actually mentioning the son. Pass.

Jeff, you are forgetting that murph crack the code of gravity and is more recognized than the “straight white male hero”.