Modern film has become a dynamo for discussions about our world, our culture and our humanity. This role has been especially prominent with the release of a Wonder Woman film, starring Gal Gadot. Audiences have come out en masse to marvel at her superhuman strength, commitment to justice and to appreciate her role as a female superhero in a comic landscape which often highlights male narratives. As many critics of the film have pointed out, it serves as a tent-pole of sorts, one which may determine the market viability of future female-led superhero movies. This week we're joined by Aayesha Siddiqui to examine the commentaries made by the film and to explore its unique and widespread influence. What does the movie articulate about heroism, gender and personal growth? What arguments does it put forward about the horrors of war and the conflict between bravery and cowardice?

Further Reading:

Salon, "'Wonder Woman' reviews: See what the critics are saying

NPR, "The Man Behind Wonder Woman Was Inspired By Both Suffragists And Centerfolds"

Glamour, "Gal Gadot Is Wonder Woman: 'She Is Not Relying on a Man, and She's Not There Because of a Love Story'"

Slate, "Here's What Critics Have to Say About Wonder Woman"

Jill Lepore, "The Secret History of Wonder Woman"

Rioghnach Robinson, "Poker Face: Wonder Woman's Invulnerabilities and Kryptonites"

The Mary Sue, "Mirror, Mirror, On the Wall, Which Man Wrote the Worst Wonder Woman Review of All?"

Empire Online, "Talking Wonder Woman With Director Patty Jenkins"

Smithsonian Magazine, "The Surprising Origin Story of Wonder Woman"

Marie Claire, "No Small Wonder: Gal Gadot Takes Summer by Storm"

Screen Rant, "Wonder Woman: Patty Jenkins Wanted to 'Make Something Beautiful'"

The Hollywood Reporter, "The Complex Gender Politics of the 'Wonder Woman' Movie"

NPR, "Remember That Time When Wonder Woman Was A U.N. Ambassador?"

Collider, "Patty Jenkins on Wonder Woman's Age, Flying Abilities, Deleted Scenes, Rumors, and More"