“Captain Marvel” found itself in the crosshairs with some largely in response to Larson’s advocacy for diversity in film and in those who write about it. Online critics exaggerated her words in videos like one titled “Brie Larson hates white men.” Others said her character didn’t smile enough in promotional materials. Larson responded with a photo of giant grins superimposed on previous male Marvel heroes.

While Hollywood has been overrun with the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the harsh light it has thrown on widespread gender imbalances throughout the industry, movie screens nationwide have been aglow with ambitious films by female directors who are beating the odds stacked against them.