Are you ready for one of the most literal titles of a film you have heard of in a while?
This new drama is almost completely focused on a group of women sitting and talking to resolve an issue. This seems like a basic setup and nothing too special for a film. We have seen so many films that have been adapted from the stage or taken that approach. A singular settling might feel limiting to a film when so many have wonderfully large scopes and fantastical new worlds. But sometimes all you need is a simple place and a strong cast to engross the audience and portray an important message. That is the goal and the result of Sarah Polley’s new drama, Women Talking.
What is the story and message of this drama that can be portrayed in an isolated and focused setting?
Things are not going well in a small isolated religious community. When a group of young men rapes some of the women in the community (getting some pregnant in the process), they are taken in by the police. All the men in the community go to bail them out. What ensues is a feature-length discussion by select women in the community to make a life-changing decision. One, stay and forgive the men for their wrongdoings. Two, fight back. Three, leave. This basic setup opens a rich and fruitful bed for moral discussion and a relevant perspective on the state of our society regarding sexual assault.
How does Polley maximize its setup to deliver a significant commentary on these relevant and tough issues?
Polley can maximize this small community which helps the film breathe and not feel suffocated inside the barn where most of the narrative takes place. There is a beautiful and raw feel to the film (in no small thanks to cinematographer Luc Montpellier). The camera movement and framing help build tension and conflict between these women who are all coming from different perspectives. One of the biggest highlights of the technical side of things is the beautiful poignant score from Hildur Guonadottir. Each scene that features her score feels elevated and lived in.
How does this cast bring these characters to life?
Many of the characters do feel like they are a specific representation of a perspective and not fully fleshed-out characters. But that does not stop some of this impressive cast from doing some impressive work. Rooney Mara is probably the closest we get to a lead in this scenario. Ona is pregnant (from unfortunate circumstances). She is not seen in the best way by the rest of the women, but she is level-headed and tender. She is the one processing it all and leading this discussion in many ways. Her perspective of leaving is the one that seems the most reasonable and Mara creates this character to be trustworthy and someone the others might just follow. Her dynamic with Ben Whishaw’s teacher character is also a nice and refreshing aspect of the film. Then you have the more fiery and explosive perspective…fighting back. You need a performance to meet that aggression and fiery personality. Claire Foy delivers on that personality perfectly as her presence is felt in a big way. The most challenging perspective is the safe one which keeps the status quo. Jessie Buckley (a fantastic actor and one of my favorites working today) meets this challenge with earnest energy. She has a strong personality and that is needed for this character. She is not cowering. She is taking on other perspectives to defend herself. Buckley is so genuine and even when a tragic turn pushes her character in a new direction, she still delivers a powerful performance.
What are the other pieces that deepen this film?
There are a few veteran presences who reinforce the different options. Frances McDormand, Judith Ivey, and Sheila McCarthy all offer veteran skills and presence to add depth to the dynamics. Then you have a few younger members of the cast who are more rambunctious and impatient when it comes to the debate. This intergenerational debate adds some interesting levels to the ideas. The older members are more likely to take their time and not risk things (even if horrible things are occurring). The younger members want to go straight to the action. These dynamics are seen in our society in many ways (especially in activism for which this film feels like a bit of a parallel) and feel quite relatable.
With this, all being said, does Women Talking deliver a moving and poignant cinematic experience that is a must-see film?
The ideas and themes that Polley tackles in her film are too relevant and too important to ignore. This film tackles such relevant themes in a way so much more effective than other films that are similar this year. This cast is A+ and comes to play in every single scene. Moving and lasting, this film overcomes some shortcomings to deliver an important and engaging film.
