WOMEN TALKING REVIEW

 *MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Women Talking certainly lives up to its title as as it surrounds a small group of women who, following a series of violent attacks, must make a difficult decision. A film that simply focuses on the conversations between characters doesn’t necessarily sound like it could make for a compelling watch, however, Women Talking benefits from Sarah Polley’s impressive direction and the strong dramatic performances by its talented cast.

Judging from the trailer, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Women Talking was based on a stage play set in the late nineteenth century, especially considering the costumes worn by the characters and the lack of modern technology. However, what’s most surprising is that Women Talking is set in 2010 and based on a book that was published in 2018 and written by Miriam Toews. Whilst watching the film, this fact becomes less surprising as the discussions the main characters are having couldn’t be more relevant to today. After a series of violent attacks by a group of men on several of the women in the colony, they are forced to make a challenging choice. Should they do nothing? Or stay on the colony and fight? Or forgive the attackers in order to secure their place in Heaven? The latter two options receive the most votes which leads to the women discussing what they should do next. What’s most interesting about Women Talking is that each woman has their own opinion and a valid reasoning behind their choice. There is no definitive answer or solution and that is what makes the final decision difficult and what makes Women Talking a thought provoking watch for the majority of its 104 minute runtime. While option towards the film itself may be divisive, there’s no denying that the conversations the women are having are important and relevant.

Women Talking is elevated by the commanding performances delivered by its talented ensemble cast. What I liked most about the performances was that each of the female characters were portrayed as flawed yet easy to empathise with, with the cast succeeding in humanising their roles. Unsurprisingly, the most memorable performances were delivered by familiar names such as Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley and Rooney Mara. Foy is Salome who is the more outspoken of the group and believes that they should fight back. What’s most impressive about Foy’s portrayal is that, underneath the fury she’s expressing, she’s clearly feeling a lot of pain following the attack. Mara shines as Ona who has become pregnant after being sexually assaulted and suggests that they stay and, after winning the fight, create a new set of rules for the colony that would give the women equality. Buckley leaves a lasting impression as Mariche, who, unlike Salome and Ona, believes that forgiveness is the only viable option. Because she appears in the marketing for Women Talking, including the main poster and trailer, many people may be surprised that three time Oscar winner Frances McDormand has very limited screen time. However, because she’s one of the producers, McDormand probably didn’t want to be a distraction from the main cast which is a respectable decision. 

At the 95th Academy Awards, Women Talking received two nominations for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. Although it’s unlikely to win either award, I’m happy that Women Talking has been recognised by the Academy in the Best Picture category as it’s the type of film that gets recognised and that’s one that features impressive work from both its cast and director.

Since its premiere at the Telluride Film Festival in September last year, Women Talking has received a mostly positive critical reception with the majority of them saying that the film’s message is valuable and effectively delivered. I couldn’t agree more as, although Women Talking isn’t the easiest of watches, it’s still worth watching for the women’s thought provoking and important conversations. 

8/10