Periodical

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Periodical

Released Oct 11, 2023

1h 35m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

9 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

"PERIODICAL", a new feature documentary from XTR and MSNBC Films, tells the unexpected story of the human body by exploring the marvel and mystery of the menstrual cycle, from first period to last. But this is not your middle school sex-ed class. Bringing you stories from soccer champion Megan Rapinoe who reveals how members of the U.S. Soccer team track their cycles when training for the Women's World Cup (which they won), to scientists who are discovering the power and possibilities of stem cells found in period blood, to young activists flipping the bill on period tax one state at a time, we uncover the shocking truths, challenge taboos, and celebrate the untapped potential of this special nutrient-dense blood. Through innovative mixed media storytelling, "Periodical" is for everyone who wants to know more about the menstrual cycle, and especially for those who don't.

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Nico Hall

Autostraddle

[Periodical] would make a valuable addition to a sex-ed curriculum and that it’d be a solid (though, you know, not as fun as other options) pick for movie night with kids who are old enough to get their periods.

Dec 1, 2023

Full Review

Lois Alter Mark

AWFJ.org

An empowering, enlightening and totally entertaining documentary about menstruation. In fact, I learned more about the subject than I was ever taught in school, by my parents or by my doctors.

Dec 9, 2023

Full Review

Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

An engaging, illuminating, vital and well-edited documentary that looks at menstruation head-on.

Oct 23, 2023

Full Review

Anne Brodie

What She Said

Great information, hope, and openness about the cycle that affects all women from menstruation to menopause. Must see for male and female audiences.

Rated: 4/4

Oct 13, 2023

Full Review

Sarah Gopaul

Digital Journal

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.

May 12, 2023

Full Review

Andrew Parker

The Gate

The real joy comes form watching the on-the-ground fight to demystify this “particular time of the month” framed by patriarchal history that traditionally values fertility and reviles the period itself.

Rated: 6/10

Apr 27, 2023

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Ernesta S

A great docu about menstrual cycle. A must watch for everyone, as it educates, helps to understand those who menstruate and it aims to destigmatise the topic.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/09/24

Full Review

Terrance M

This waste of time makes The Marvels look like Avengers End Game

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/01/24

Full Review

Fred N

I learned a lot. Sadly, taboos around female biology pointlessly keep girls and women as well as boys and men ignorant. I wish the activism had been around education rather than taxes.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/07/23

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Lina Plioplyte

Director

Angel Shari Brown

Actor

Gloria Steinem

Self

Naomi Watts

Self

Anna Konkle

Self

Megan Rapinoe

Self

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Synopsis

"PERIODICAL", a new feature documentary from XTR and MSNBC Films, tells the unexpected story of the human body by exploring the marvel and mystery of the menstrual cycle, from first period to last. But this is not your middle school sex-ed class. Bringing you stories from soccer champion Megan Rapinoe who reveals how members of the U.S. Soccer team track their cycles when training for the Women's World Cup (which they won), to scientists who are discovering the power and possibilities of stem cells found in period blood, to young activists flipping the bill on period tax one state at a time, we uncover the shocking truths, challenge taboos, and celebrate the untapped potential of this special nutrient-dense blood. Through innovative mixed media storytelling, "Periodical" is for everyone who wants to know more about the menstrual cycle, and especially for those who don't.

Director: Lina Plioplyte
Producer: Pegah Farahmand
Distributor: MSNBC Films
Production Co: XTR
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 11, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 19, 2023
Runtime: 1h 35m

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