“The Owls” brings the phrase “lesbian drama” to hyperbolic heights. Cheryl Dunne directs lesbian superstars, VS Brodie and Guinevere Turner, among others, in a poignant film that explores lesbian stereotypes through Sarah Schulman’s self-deprecating script.

The film follows a group of four 40-something lesbians struggling in their unhealthy relationships amidst the boonies of the California desert. The group hides a horrifying secret, of which the audience is aware from the beginning, and which another lesbian attempts to uncover.

The actors fill their roles beautifully, especially Guinevere Turner, who flits effortlessly from her character’s hilariously egotistical self descriptions to her dramatic interactions with the other characters. The film is effectively shot documentary style – the characters give individual interviews with the camera and flashbacks are shown.

The individual interviews showcase the film’s strongest moments but it takes a strange turn when suddenly, in the middle of the film, the actors begin discussing their respective characters and concepts like “butch” and “femme.” It feels painfully self-conscious and contrived and would have been best reserved strictly for the end of the film, if necessary at all.

Overall, the film reveals important and funny points about the portrayal of lesbians in media. If only it would lighten up a little.

Rebecca Slaven is a contributor to Sad Mag.