Assiduous: Snubbed Not Defeated - The Film (2023)

Set in the 1950s, Esther's groundbreaking research on bacterial conjugation is overshadowed by her husband, Joshua Lederberg, who receives a Nobel Prize for their joint discovery. As they navigate their passionate but complicated relationship, Esther's dedication to her husband leads her to prioritize his career over her own. Their love story is marked by moments of frustration and humor, from Joshua's distracted marriage proposal amidst her research papers to Esther's playful attempts to keep their connection alive, including serving him frogs for dinner. Despite her sacrifices, Esther reflects on her stalled career, contrasting sharply with Joshua's later accolades, including a Medal of Freedom. Years later, as an older Joshua boasts about his achievements in front of an audience, Esther discovers her own path. At a singles event, she meets Simon, who shares her passion for Baroque music. In a poignant home video moment, Esther expresses her hope that while the Nobel Committee may have forgotten her contributions, her new soul-mate will remember her legacy. The film also introduces Rosalind Franklin, who questions her own obscured place in history as Watson and Crick boast about their DNA discovery, further highlighting the struggle of women scientists for recognition. With themes of love, sacrifice, and the quest for acknowledgment, "Assiduous: Snubbed Not Defeated" sheds light on the remarkable yet often unrecognized contributions of women in science.