Ladies First: Sacha Baron Cohen Wakes Up in a Matriarchal World in Netflix’s Hilarious New Comedy
Netflix is flipping the script on gender dynamics with its upcoming satirical romantic comedy Ladies First, set to premiere globally on May 22, 2026. Directed by Thea Sharrock (Wicked Little Letters, Me Before You), the film is a loose English-language adaptation of the 2018 French hit I Am Not an Easy Man. It delivers sharp wit, absurd humor, and timely commentary on power, privilege, and relationships in a gender-swapped reality.
The story follows Damien Sachs (Sacha Baron Cohen), an arrogant, charismatic ladies’ man who seems to have it all: wealth, influence, and an endless parade of casual flings. As he prepares to climb the corporate ladder to become CEO of a major advertising agency, his perfectly self-centered life is shattered when he wakes up in a parallel universe where women dominate every sphere of society. In this matriarchal world, the rules of engagement are completely reversed. Men now navigate the challenges, biases, and everyday microaggressions that women have long faced, while women hold positions of power in business, politics, and culture.
Forced to confront his own chauvinistic attitudes, Damien finds himself clashing with Alex Fox (Rosamund Pike), a formidable, no-nonsense executive who becomes both his rival and unexpected foil. As he struggles to survive—and perhaps thrive—in this unfamiliar landscape, Damien must learn humility, empathy, and the true meaning of equality, all while the comedy escalates through workplace satire, romantic tension, and outrageous role reversals.
Sacha Baron Cohen brings his signature blend of physical comedy and fearless satire to the role of Damien, while Rosamund Pike shines as the sharp-witted and powerful Alex. The stellar supporting cast includes Richard E. Grant, Emily Mortimer, Charles Dance, Fiona Shaw, Tom Davis, Kathryn Hunter, and Weruche Opia, promising a rich ensemble full of British comedic talent.
With its high-concept premise and playful yet thought-provoking tone, Ladies First explores themes of toxic masculinity, gender roles, and personal growth through laugh-out-loud scenarios. Early trailers hint at clever visual gags, clever dialogue, and the kind of over-the-top humor that Baron Cohen fans crave, balanced with genuine emotional moments under Sharrock’s direction.
In an era of gender conversations and power shifts, Ladies First arrives as a bold, entertaining reminder that walking in someone else’s shoes—especially when the shoes are stilettos in a boardroom—can be both hilarious and transformative. Whether you’re in it for the satire, the romance, or the pure comedic chaos, this Netflix original looks set to spark conversations while delivering big laughs.
Mark your calendars for May 22—Ladies First is ready to turn the world upside down, one reversed expectation at a time.
