In my previous article on Captain Marvel, I took Mr. Morse at Desiring God to task over his lament about a major female superhero joining the lineup of mostly male characters.
But, I think it fair to discuss whether the movie’s feminism is an idea whose time has come, or is problematic in its own right.
I will try to avoid spoilers, but I will discuss the plot in broad terms, so if you want to know nothing going in, then you may wish to stop reading until after viewing. Still, I will leave out plot twists, etc., so the general surprises remain unrevealed.
What is Feminist About the Movie?
Captain Marvel tells the story of Carol Danvers, an experimental pilot, but in such a way as to gradually reveal her identity both to her and the audience.
A journey of self-discovery is not in itself feminist, but this particular story is connected to her somewhat limited opportunities in the air force as a woman, and to some childhood and young-adult hurdles shown in flashbacks.
She also has a male mentor/commander and sparring partner, who seems to encourage her to push her abilities to the limit, even as he gives her orders and encourages her to control her emotions and impulses. He threatens that he can take away her privileges and enhanced physical powers if she breaks rank or flaunts orders.
I suppose this is the most feminist part of the movie: a patriarchal authority figure, whom she must decide whether or not to follow.
Relatedly, not everything Danvers has been told by authorities seems wholly accurate–a sentiment echoed in other movies like Avengers Age of Ultron or Captain America: Civil War.
This seems like it could be feminist in that the patriarchy (male authorities and their supporters) in feminism are sometimes accused of bias that favors and props up their own authority. But, perhaps it is simply a continuation of the superhero trope of living outside traditional authority structures explored by other films.
Lastly, Danvers resolves some conflicts diplomatically, and others by force. Is this a difference between Captain Marvel and her male counterparts? Not necessarily. Civil War and Winter Soldier both see some attempt to resolve conflicts diplomatically, even if they don’t always work.
Feminism and the Use of Force
Mr. Morse criticized the fact that Captain Marvel might encourage women and girls into military careers, only without superpowers, putting them in harm’s way instead of men.
It is noteworthy that not all women and girls in the movie engage in fighting. Indeed, children of both genders are excluded and sheltered from danger. To me, this sent a message that not everyone can or should fight.
Captain Marvel’s friend, Maria, debates whether or not to join in the conflict of the movie…
So, the film seems more nuanced, echoing the old Spider Man trope: “with great power comes great responsibility.” Captain Marvel fights because she has the power to do so, and the opportunity to protect innocent lives, including children’s. It’s certainly a protective–if not maternal–response that prompts her to fight.
Captain Marvel fights because she has the power to do so, and the opportunity to protect innocent lives
– David Chase
Could a Christian Endorse this Film?
Probably.
The discussion of how we treat people in general, and specifically the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40) is a worthwhile consideration that could come from the movie.
A statue of Jesus as a homeless person, echoes this gospel sentiment.
Also, our sometimes uncritical allegiance to the systems of power in our lives might lead us to be “conformed to this world.” (Romans 12:2) Or, conversely, to neglect to “love one’s neighbor” (Mark 12:33) as oneself.
If these are concerns that flow out of the film’s feminism, then I feel comfortable as a Christian saying that the film has merit, and could inspire right behavior and thinking.
