A quick glance at the TikTok search results for ‘female rage’ tells an interesting story – women shouting and expressing their anger without shame, presented as though this is something shocking. But is female rage really so different from men’s anger, or do we just see it less on screen?

When I see the words ‘female rage,’ I think of two scenes. Mia Goth in Pearl, screaming, “Please, I’m a star!” and Toni Collette in Hereditary – “Don’t you ever raise your voice at me! I am your mother!” Both of these moments are emotional climaxes of films full of bubbling anger, which the characters have pushed down until it explodes. They lead to violence, chaos, and disaster. And they are directed at men.

But what makes these scenes so special, other than the fact of women, rather than men, being loud and angry? Women’s place in society – expectations of docility, homemaking, and submission – make these moments more shocking. Of course, Collette and Goth are both incredible actresses. Yet, scenes like this are common in movies starring men. Just look at cult classics like Fight Club and A Clockwork Orange. These are films full of violence and rage, enacted by men, yet the phrase ‘male rage’ is rarely, if ever, used to describe them.


The Societal Lens on Anger

When people we relate to lash out at the world around them, the fictional world they inhabit lets us forgive them, even if they are violent and hateful. Is Pearl’s murder spree justified? Of course not. Is Annie’s outburst at her son okay? It’s not as bad as murder, but still hardly the best example of good parenting. Yet we look at these characters as examples of the power women can hold – this violence is symbolic, encouraging not real-life murder but emotional release.

The same goes for many films with rageful men. The Narrator in Fight Club is, in my opinion, one of the great protagonists of our time – emotionally complex and compelling. Of course, he is violent, but from the very first scene of the film, we understand why; he is a victim of a world that encourages male aggression, discourages healthy coping mechanisms, and stops him from getting the healthcare he needs. His actions wouldn’t be justifiable in the real world, but on film, his rage is satisfying. Like Pearl and Annie, he isn’t a role model but a symbol.

The Double Standard in Rage

Why is it, then, that ‘female rage’ is such a topic of conversation and ‘male rage’ isn’t? As far as I can tell, it is for two reasons: first, women are presented as angry in media much less often, and second, women’s role in society as peacemakers and caregivers means we don’t associate femininity with anger. Films that allow women to be full of rage and violence inherently go against our expectations – they shock us and can even inspire us, not to violence but to expression.

For men, perhaps ‘male fragility’ is an equivalent term; the right to cry on screen, to be vulnerable in public. Look at Brendan Fraser in The Whale. He won Best Actor at the Oscars for this performance, full of fragility. His character is often pitiable and emotionally weak – everything that men are told they should not be – and so to see him celebrated like this is brilliant. It’s satisfying in the same way that women’s anger is. It lets us see the true range of human emotion, beyond what society expects of men and women.


The Power of Female Rage

Female rage might be an overused term, but it speaks to something many women understand: the desire to be listened to and treated as deserving of attention and even fear. It’s not the rage that is shocking, but the brashness of its presentation. It is something true, something honest, and something we all relate to.

Women have been historically confined to roles that emphasize calmness, care, and submission. This has limited the portrayal of women in media, often excluding the full spectrum of human emotions they experience. The few instances where female rage is depicted are seen as extraordinary, leading to a skewed perception that women are less prone to anger than men.


The Historical Context

Historically, society has placed women in the roles of peacemakers and caregivers. From the earliest records, women were often depicted as nurturing figures, responsible for maintaining harmony within the family and community. This role has been so ingrained in societal norms that any deviation from it is seen as an anomaly. When women express anger, it disrupts the expected social order, making it a spectacle.

This historical context is critical in understanding why female rage is such a talking point. It is not that women are inherently less angry than men, but rather that their anger has been suppressed and stigmatized for centuries. When it does surface, it challenges deeply held beliefs about gender roles and behavior.


The Psychological Aspect

From a psychological perspective, anger is a natural human emotion, experienced by all genders. However, the way anger is expressed and perceived can vary significantly. Women are often socialized to internalize their anger, leading to feelings of guilt or shame when they do express it. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to externalize their anger, often through aggression or assertiveness.

This difference in socialization can be seen in the way media portrays male and female anger. Male characters are frequently shown as aggressive and dominant, their anger a sign of strength and authority. Female characters, when allowed to express anger, are often depicted as hysterical or irrational, their anger a sign of weakness or emotional instability.

Breaking the Stereotype

In recent years, there has been a growing movement to break these stereotypes and allow women to express the full range of their emotions, including anger. This movement is evident in the increasing number of films and television shows that depict female rage in a positive light. These portrayals challenge traditional gender roles and show that anger can be a powerful and constructive emotion, regardless of gender.


The Impact on Society

The depiction of female rage in media has a significant impact on society. It challenges the status quo and encourages women to embrace their emotions, rather than suppress them. This can lead to greater emotional health and well-being, as women learn to express their anger in healthy and constructive ways.

Furthermore, these portrayals can inspire real change by highlighting the issues that often lead to female anger, such as gender inequality, discrimination, and abuse. By bringing these issues to light, media can play a crucial role in promoting social justice and equality.


Female rage is not inherently different from male anger. The difference lies in how society perceives and reacts to it. By challenging traditional gender roles and stereotypes, we can create a more inclusive and understanding society, where everyone is free to express their emotions without fear of judgment or reprisal. Female rage, when understood and respected, can be a powerful force for change and empowerment.