Women Talking Review: Polley's Riveting Adaptation
Women Talking by Sarah Polley is a highly engrossing and evocative adaptation of the Miriam Toews novel. The film addresses a difficult subject with careful sensitivity, levity, and vigorous conversation that will keep audiences thinking about the movie and its main idea for a long time after it is over. It is elevated by outstanding performances from its cast.
The ladies of a Mennonite community come together in a barn to discuss their options after being violently raped for years by the men of the group, who used cow tranquillizers to knock their victims unconscious. While they are in town posting bail for the attackers, the men have given them a few days to make amends. If the women don't forgive, they run the possibility of being kicked out of Heaven. The ladies determine that they have three options: do nothing, stay and fight, or permanently leave their society since they do not believe that they should be compelled to forgive.
Given the title of the movie, one may anticipate that women Talking would have a lot of discussion. The push-pull arguments between the characters over what they should and shouldn't do don't lead to clear-cut solutions. Nothing seems simple, yet it somehow is, especially given the conversations' limited time and the emotions they bring up—anger, reflection, trauma, and understanding. Salome (Claire Foy) is naturally furious, and this raging wrath powers her reasoning throughout the movie. Despite having an abusive spouse, Mariche (Jessie Buckley) maintains a tough exterior that conceals her worry of maybe leaving the community with her children.
Women Talking is a stunning, compelling, and even frightful film, although the monologues should have been shortened. They do serve as a platform for the actors, to be sure, but they frequently cut across vibrant, fascinating dialogue and stunning character interactions, detracting from their camaraderie and relationship-building. In addition, there are times when the movie has a playlike quality that is unnecessary in an otherwise excellent rendition. Additionally, the cinematography is really depressing. It may be done to fit the mood of the movie, but it doesn't exactly inspire.