From Mulan to Evelyn Abbott: Comparing Hollywood’s Female Leads

Hollywood has a long history of portraying female leads who break the mold of traditional heroism, from Mulan to A Quiet Place’s Evelyn Abbott. Both characters are strong, driven, and deeply compassionate, but they navigate their journeys differently, reflecting the evolution of the portrayal of female heroes in film.

Mulan, a cultural icon, defies expectations by disguising herself as a man to join the army in place of her ailing father. Her journey is defined by her courage, determination, and her desire to bring honor to her family. Mulan’s heroism lies in her ability to challenge the gender norms of her time, using both her intelligence and physical strength to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated world. Her journey highlights the themes of self-discovery, identity, and familial duty.

In contrast, Evelyn Abbott from A Quiet Place is a quieter, more introspective hero who demonstrates her strength through sacrifice and survival. Rather than fighting an external enemy, she fights to protect her family in a world where every sound could mean death. Evelyn’s character arc centers on resilience, resourcefulness, and maternal love. She doesn’t need to prove her worth through violence or rebellion; her heroism comes from her deep emotional strength and her determination to keep her children safe.

Both characters break traditional molds but reflect different approaches to heroism in modern storytelling: Mulan, who fights to be seen as equal in a world that limits her, and Evelyn, who shows that strength can also come from subtle, quiet acts of survival and love.