WIDOWS (2018)

Directed By: Steve McQueen 
Written By: Gillian Flynn & Steve McQueen 
Based On “Widows” By: Lynda La Plante 
Cinematography By: Sean Bobbitt 
Editor: Joe Walker 

Cast: Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Liam Neeson, Lukas Haas, Jon Bernthal, Carrie Coon, Jacki Weaver, Ann Mitchell, Garret Dillahunt, Kevin J O’Connor 

 "Widows" is the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands' criminal activities. Set in contemporary Chicago, amid a time of turmoil, tensions build when Veronica, Alice, Linda and Belle take their fate into their own hands and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.


The film is immaculately filmed where the surroundings are always modern and reflective, smooth and slick. Which it seems all the characters loves are before the disruption that shakes and shatters and forced the characters to be deeper and emotional deal with their problems rather than sliding and inching away in their own way. so to speak. They have to come to grips with their fears.

Based on an original Novel and British Mini-Series of the 1980’s

What the film does is subvert the film into issues and subjects that most films would only flirt with or never even bring up. Where the film dresses itself up as a thriller and ads those elements but then while you are watching that it introduces more issues. Such as racial politics, as well as politics, corruption, sexism.

It’s Perfectly illustrated in a scene where Colin Farell’s character goes from making a speech in an impoverished neighborhood about trying to improve it. Then gets in his limousine and drives through the neighborhood complaining about his competitors and the neighborhood as the car goes along and we notice how it goes from poor surroundings to middle class houses and finally ends at his Mansion

Viola Davis comes off like a boss. Strong and emotional in Private. Strong in public that she has to leave to let her guard down and not be necessarily vulnerable but realize that everyone is in the same boat and bullying won’t make things better.

Michelle Rodriguez is good in her role. Where she actually gets a scene of weakness and fragility. Which is rare usually in her performances. Here it is unexpected and random but perfectly executed her characters emotional state of being. While never disclosing it to others.

Cynthia Erivo’s character is a good fit but the film also seems to illustrate her while being separate the. Slowly showing how she is affected and is finally brought in. Though throughout you wonder when because the film constantly shows off her skills. Sort it lien Dennis Haysbert character in HEAT. Where you wait for the film to finally have him cross paths and become one of the gang.

The real surprise of the movie is Elizabeth Debicki’s character who starts off as a meek trophy wife and widow who seeks a sugar daddy to take care of her. Who is abused in some sort of way constantly by those around her. Who throughout the film uncovers strengths and talents she never believes she had. As throughout the film all the characters come to this awakening but hers is the most vividly shown. As well as the most emotional. Realizing she is much more then a vessel for sex. Especially in the scene where she has to buy weapons for all of them.

The film is rich because by the end there are so many characters you want to learn more about or wish there was more of like Brian Tyree Henry’s candidate character we see his ruthless side but also his reasoning for running as he wants to get into another position where he will have power but also seems to want to improve the neighborhood he has grown up in. There feels like there is more to the character but the film doesn’t have time for him.

Just as when dealing with his brother who is his eighth hand man and enforcer. Who seems to love the criminal enterprise and enjoys killing. Though seems bored with it and seems to want to keep finding ways to inflict pain that will interest him. He’s not played as a total psychopath who takes glee in all this. It just seems it is all routine for him even though he enjoys it and k makes him so intense and exciting you love to hate him but you also want to see him at work also.

Also Viola Davis’s driver/bodyguard who could have been a minor character but the more time we spend with him and get to know him. The more you learn about him and a kind of interesting history. Maybe as this is based on a book and a uk miniseries. There is more to everyone but the film can only give some of them the spotlight over others.

The film also strongly supports approaches certian elements as the story goes along. Like letting us know what makes Davis’s character so sad other then losing her husband what tragedy they faced even before she lost him. Which again introduces the subject of race and senseless violence into the film. Which as it takes place in Chicago is a problem there.

In the end that might be one of the film’s problems is the end. Where as the film has been giving us all this build up to the heist and the heist ends up rather simple and underwhelming for as much importance it has had over the narrative. Depending on how you look at it that could be brilliant as to came to the film expecting more of a crime thriller and the film face you so much more that the expectations are more a frame work and treated as an after thought or made to be more realistic and not extravagant.

A third act reveal isn’t as powerful as the film seems to aim. While it might offer a surprise. It also doesn’t come off as strong as let’s say what it feels a bit inspired by THE THIRD MAN.

While it offers an ensign of validation and mutual respect between the characters. While also informing us that all the characters are dirty In their own way.

The film is intricately Directed and put together. So that it makes you think while also entertaining you. This is so far Steve McQueen’s most mainstream and conventional film. Here he still provides his artistic vision while also dealing with bigger issues.

All in all the movie is strong and right and offers what you won’t expect.

Grade: B