It ain’t for the faint of heart. The movie Widows by Steve McQueen, contains some intensely violent scenes. It ain’t for the feeble of brain, either. The plot is complex, as is to be expected from a script that originates from a mini-series. And the film might be overwhelming for those who grieve, since its depiction of grief is so visceral it makes your chest hurt.

Nonetheless, I recommend Widows as a must-see if you are at all interested in several main themes of our political times and revel in glorious cinematography. The movie touches on political power, racism, police shootings, organized crime  – all in the guise of a high-adrenaline, often funny heist movie that contains all the familiar elements of that genre, from clever planning to unexpected obstacles to car chases to plot twist that leave you reeling.

widows trailer

 

Most importantly, though, it tackles the issue of women’s anger in a non-condescending way that goes beyond the familiar trope of  “allowing a few strong women to get even.” Oscar-winning filmmaker and director Steve McQueen (“12 Years a Slave”) shows once again why he is currently one of the best in the field, able to make the audience think about gender relations and power without falling into the platitudes of some of the “Me Too” movement.

The plot – and I’ll try not to provide too many spoilers – centers around a heist gone wrong that leaves the male partners of 4 women dead. The widows face serious dangers from the victim of the heist who asks for his stolen money back or else. The women who did not know each other previously, and each of whom suffered emotional or physical abuse or other problems in their relationship, get together and plan a heist themselves to get out of their predicament. They are all destitute and have little to loose by taking enormous risks, but some are also mothers who would leave yet another orphan or two if things go bust.

All this is put into the context of Chicago politics, race relations, and more betrayals on more levels than you can count. Complexity is added by the fact that bad guys are to be found among both Blacks and Whites, rich and poor, women and men. The cast is superb, Viola Davis, Liam Neeson, Daniel Kaluuya, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez, Brian Tyree Henry, Carrie Coon, Robert Duvall, Jacki Weaver, Colin Farrell and Cynthia Erivo all impressive, although Debicki’s and Kaluuya’s performances stood out for me, given that I had never seen them before and they surely held their own against the heavyweights. With one exception the women look normal, not the Hollywood glamour you are used to, and that makes the film even more interesting. Add stunning visuals and you’ve got the almost perfect Saturday matinee.

I say almost, because one can quibble with this or that weakness found in this – like any other – film. Let me relate some thoughts on the issue of women’s anger instead, so prominent in the movie because of they way they were abused, since I write these words on the UN’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Saturday saw over 30.ooo people demonstrate in Paris against violence against women (independent of the other yellow vest demonstration about gasoline prices and Macron’s policies.) Sunday saw thousands demonstrate in Spain, and many more across all of Europe. Women have found a voice and organized to amplify that voice by numbers. Their anger motivates, gives energy and propels to action despite the fact that historically women’s anger has always led to backlash against them, individually and as a group.

If you have time and inclination, below is a very smart essay on exactly that issue, pointing the way how to support social movements that are propelled by female anger, while also flagging potential pitfalls. If, on the other hand, you could use some first-class entertainment that’s not dumb either, go get tickets for Widows!

https://bookforum.com/inprint/025_03/20155

Photographs today are traditional depictions of women mourning.