A Focus Features film directed by Mimi Leder, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s biopic concerns life leading up to her becoming the second female Supreme Court Justice. On the Basis of Sex goes into Ginsburg’s journey studying law and fending off discriminatory sexism. Reed v. Reed (1971), a monumental case which introduced equal protection for women under the law, is a focal point in the film.
On the Basis of Sex is released on Christmas Day. Felicity Jones, known for her role in Theory of Everything and Rogue One, is Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Ruth’s spouse, Marty Ginsburg, is played by Armie Hammer from Call Me by Your Name. Mel Wulf, the legal director of the ACLU in Ginsburg’s time and with whom Ginsburg does not have a particularly friendly relationship, is portrayed by Justin Theroux. Kathy Bates is Dorothy Kenyon, a feminist and suffragette lawyer who worked with Ginsburg. Sam Waterston is Erwin Griswold, an accomplished lawyer who served as Solicitor General for two Presidents and dean of Harvard Law School among other things. The Ginsburg children, Jane and James, are played by Cailee Spaeny and Callum Shoniker. Jane Ginsburg became an attorney like her parents while James took a different route toward working as a music producer. For admirers of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, this biopic is another choice holiday film.
On The Basis of Sex is now playing in theaters.