The movie Widows hits theaters this week with an impressive all-star cast. Written and directed by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) and Gillian Flynn, best-selling author of Gone Girl, this film has a lot to offer. Widows is a unique heist film jam-packed with the type of unsettling drama that you would expect from stars like Viola Davis and Liam Neeson.
The film is set in Chicago, centered on the lives of four families tied together by master heist-man Harry Rawlins (Neeson). Quickly we see a heist job that goes terribly wrong, leaving four very different women to deal with the aftermath. Seemingly tied into this web is a brutal struggle for power between an entrenched corrupt politician, Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell), and Jamal Manning (Brian Tyreee Henry), a grassroots hopeful with ties to local criminal elements. Two worlds collide when Veronica (Davis) meets Manning’s enforcer and brother, Jatemme (Daniel Kaluuya), who tells her whose money her husband stole.
Veronica, now responsible for her husband’s crimes, must come up with millions for the Manning campaign…or else. Left with no inheritance or property to call her own, she must use her husband’s journal to recreate his next heist. In need of a team, Veronica calls on the other widows, Linda (Michelle Rodriguez), Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), and Amanda. The women must come together to save themselves and undo the wreckage their husbands left behind.
The film moves quickly in the beginning, giving you small glimpses into the lives of each widow. Although their husbands share a similar criminal background, their wives couldn’t be more different. The heist happens almost immediately, ending in a complete fiery failure. We see their lives ruined in entirely different ways, each widow broken in her own way. As they find themselves deciding whether to risk everything, we begin to see deep down who they really are.
One of the most notable features of the film is the impressive personal changes of each widow. The demands of their circumstances have a profound effect on these women in ways the audience least expects. While Viola Davis brings her typical icy bourgeois attitude, nearly every performer steps out of their comfortable style to deliver distinctive performances.
Honestly, each character will surprise you in their own way. While many characters bring what they’re famous for, Daniel Kaluuya is the true star of this film. Known for his impressive work in Get Out, Kaluuya’s natural character connection and startling performance instills a powerful audience reaction that steals the screen. With an impressive cast of well-known dramatic actors, this film does not disappoint.
Another amazing feature of the film is the absolutely gorgeous camerawork and scenery of Chicago. The director provides consistently complicated camera angles, many of which imbue a stronger sense of suspense and thrill. The scenery is divine and meticulously shot, including some of the most beautiful and well-respected churches in Chicago.
Although there’s a lot to be said for this movie, it is by no means perfect. There’s also a number of social justice undertones that are unnecessary to the story. These subtle subplots are seemingly intended to enhance character background but come off as awkward and a little forced. Generally, there are a lot of plot holes, several moments that leave you guessing, and not in a good way. The attractive visuals and surprising plot twists make sure you enjoy the film but you may leave wanting to know just a little bit more.
Regardless of any criticism, Widows is a film you will not regret seeing. The story is based on a two-part British drama series from 1983, which was nominated for a British Academy Television Award. Interestingly, the movie was originally adapted to film in 2002 by a different writing team who had hoped to cast Brooke Shields and Rosy Perez. Even more interestingly, Jennifer Lawrence was the first considered for the role of Veronica Rawlings before any other characters had been cast. Let’s just says Veronica and Harry would have had a completely different marriage and the film may have had a totally different vibe!
