On the Basis of Sex

Set in the 1950s and early 60s, the film traces Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she builds a legal career while balancing family life daily. She teams up with her husband Marty to pursue a landmark appeal that challenges how the law treats men and women. Their collaboration centers on a case selected to test gender discrimination in the courts and seeks to alter a long entrenched pattern. The drama captures long hours in law libraries, cautious courtroom consultations, and the grit required to argue before judges who are wary of social upheaval. The emphasis stays on ideas, strategy, and the stubborn pursuit of equality, without revealing twists or endings for viewers. The film also highlights the cost of progress today.

Production and release: The drama was directed by Mimi Leder with a screenplay by Daniel Stiepleman, drawing on life events from Ruth Bader Ginsburg's early career. Focus Features released On the Basis of Sex in 2018, timing a broad appeal.

The film grossed about 38.8 million dollars worldwide against a 20 million dollar budget, making it a modest but solid return for a mid range prestige drama. It performed best in the United States with strong audience interest overall worldwide.

Cultural impact The movie sparked renewed conversations about gender equality and the role of law in social progress. Felicity Jones's portrayal of Ruth Bader Ginsburg brought attention to her early battles against discrimination, inspiring discussions in classrooms and media about the people behind landmark legal shifts and enduring memory today.

Reception and themes Critics generally welcomed the film as informative and accessible, highlighting its focus on resilience, partnership, and the idea that law can be a tool for equality. The screenplay keeps political context clear without becoming dry, balancing personal stakes with courtroom drama to illuminate social change for viewers.