‘Periodical’ is a factual and non-sexist representation of menstruation and menopause, examining the science, politics and mystery of the menstrual cycle.
The Period. Not the punctuation you find at the end of sentences, but the biological function every woman experiences at some point and potentially for the majority of their lives. Yet, we’re not supposed to talk about it. At some points in history and in certain cultures, women were not even allowed to leave the house if they were menstruating. To bleed from an intimate part of one’s body is simultaneously a rite of passage and a gross necessity that can be accompanied by any number of symptoms and complications. Periodical explores menstruation from numerous angles, creating greater comprehension and comfort with the subject via period-positive language.
In a relatively short amount of time, this documentary provides an exceptionally detailed education on women’s biology. Unfortunately, sex education is no longer a priority in many school systems, leaving young women without the knowledge they need to understand their own bodies and counter the endless falsehoods that permeate popular culture. At the most rudimentary level, it teaches about physiology: identifying and naming body parts, describing the menstrual cycle, and encouraging women to become more familiar with their own bodies. At the other end of the spectrum, it dispels myths surrounding menopause, explains the dangers of endometriosis, and explores the pros and cons of menstrual-related technological advancements.
Whether you feel pretty in the know or that you have some holes in your knowledge, this is a must-see film that answers questions you may not have realized you needed to ask. Supplementing whatever instruction is provided by the school system, an educator uses diagrams, charts and models to give young women the vocabulary to understand their own bodies. In a class for older women, the teachings go beyond the basics, but still impart things they should probably know. The doctors, activists, celebrities and athletes in the film — including actress Naomi Watts and soccer player Megan Rapinoe — are very frank about their periods. Love them or hate them, they all got them… until they have to contend with menopause and all the negativity that surrounds it.
Notably, there’s a lot of humour involved as they talk about this topic that so many would never openly discuss. For instance, there’s a section that hypothesizes what it would be like if men had periods instead of women, and the results are both believable and ridiculous. There’s also a number of illustrations used to demystify some of the more complex biological concepts. Several advocates outline their efforts to pass basic laws in every state that will classify essential period products as tax-free. Most interestingly, while watching the documentary, one realizes it’s not only trying to spread good information, but it’s also normalizing these conversations so it becomes less uncomfortable to have them later and especially if/when it’s necessary.
Periodical had its international premiere in the Special Presentations programme at the Hot Docs Festival.
Read other reviews from the festival.
Director: Lina Plioplyte
