Review of Women Talking (2022) by Moviemitch96 — 12 Jan 2023

In 2010, group of women in a small isolated Amish community convene in order to decide what course of action to take after they are attacked, raped, and impregnated by several men. They are faced with the decision of either remaining in their village and fighting back and taking revenge against those who hurt them, or leaving in the hopes of a better and more hopeful future for themselves and their children.

Directed by Sarah Polley and adapted from a novel of the same name, the film is a poignant, harrowing, and detailed look at gripping themes, moral crossroads, and humanity. While the film is a little slow moving at times, you won't get a much finer acting ensemble than the one on display here, with Rooney Mara leading the way in a brave and incredibly strong performance.

Supporting players, such as Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Ben Whishaw, and even Frances McDormand in an all-too small role (also a producer on the film) provide even more dramatic weight with their headstrong performances.

The cinematography/coloring is as bleak as the story and situation the characters find themselves in, and even the somber yet haunting musical score feels like a character of its own. However, while the film's message is undeniably powerful, its trajectory to the film's final moments also feels a bit predictable and anticlimactic in certain regards.

Overall, a rather pedestrian approach at very heavy subject matter can't dampen the impact left by the ensemble's outstanding performances, cinematography, and score.