I think a good example of the female gaze in cinema is young royals. Simon and Wilhelm's relationship is the most tender mlm relationship I have ever seen. Just the small gestures got to me so much, simply because I am not used to seeing male characters express love so freely and tenderly. For example, when Simon and Wilhelm get late for breakfast and Simon has to sneak out of Wilhelm's room after Wilhelm, which means he will effectively miss breakfast, Wilhelm packs a sandwich for him. Later in class, he gives it to him and smiles. I think Simon and Wilhelm's relationship is defined by these smiles. When Simon sings in the choir and Wilhelm gazes at him. Whenever they make eye contact in the gym. How they take turns watching each other during the piano scene, a sweet smile on their faces all throughout. The way they slowly held each other's hands during the movie, and just the tension in that scene, which wasn't sexual but more of a question: do you like me? Even their kisses feel more tender and romantic than other kisses I've seen in media. The framing of their faces on camera, always gentle and angled, and how often they hug and rest their heads on each other's shoulders, and play with their feet. The casual intimacy they share. This is the female gaze, sometimes sexual but always tender, always a person and never just a body. So much love conveyed through gestures and non sexual touches and caresses. An excellent addition to LGBTQ+ media, especially in the mlm category which is often fetishised and hypersexualised. And yes, both written and directed by women.
