Women Talking – ABC Film Challenge – Oscar Nominations – W – Women Talking – Movie Review
Director: Sarah Polley
Writer: Sarah Polley, Miriam Toews (Screenplay)
Cast
- Rooney Mara (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo)
- Claire Foy (Unsane)
- Jessie Buckley (Wild Rose)
- Frances McDormand (Nomadland)
- Judith Ivey (The Devil’s Advocate)
Plot: Do nothing. Stay and fight. Or leave. In 2010, the women of an isolated religious community grapple with reconciling a brutal reality with their faith.
Runtime: 1 Hour 44 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Women Talking starts in the aftermath of the latest attack on a woman in a religious community. The women must vote on what to do next, forgive, fight or leave. When the vote is tied, a select group of women Ona (Mara), Salome (Foy), Mariche (Buckley), Janz (McDormand), Agata (Ivey) and others must discuss the options.
This sees them clashing over what they want to be changed. The question of being treated equally and accepted into heaven become the biggest talking point. However, the decision can’t be taken too lightly, as it affects more than just them.
Verdict on Women Talking
Women Talking is a drama following the women of a religious community that must make a difficult decision. They have suffered years of abuse at the hands of the men and now they have a chance to escape or fight back against their abusers.
This is a movie with a big message about who gets the blame for sexual abuse. It also uses the religious mind control created by communities and cults around the world. The idea that the discussion looks at both sides of the decision is interesting and keeps the movie rolling along.
In the performances, we get some of the very best of the year, with an all-star female cast taking centre stage. It is clear to see why this is an award favourite for many.
Final Thoughts – Women Talking is a powerful demanding movie.
