On the Basis of Sex: Mimi Leder’s biopic is centered around a compelling, relevant discourse; it is very good at selling the idea. However, as a biographic exercise, it leaves to be desired, as the film provides few insights at her character: the drive and fierce intelligence are there, but not what truly makes her tick. By the other hand, it avoids the traps of a simple-minded hagiography. Felicity Jones projects well the strength of the character, but the lack of depth of the character limits her performance somewhat. The rest of the cast is fine but in no way remarkable. The same can be said about the film aesthetics in general: the period recreation (costumes and art direction) is competent, but not all that special.