‘Women Talking’ a moving, thought-provoking drama

The remaining show dates and times at the Dietrich Spring Film Festival for ‘Women Talking’ are as follows: Wednesday, April 26, at 4:20 p.m.; Monday, May 1, at noon; Friday, May 5, at 2:30 p.m., and Thursday, May 11, at 7 p.m.

‘Women Talking’ is a novel written by Miriam Toew that’s centered on the secret meetings of eight Mennonite women who, on behalf of the other women in the colony, must decide how to react to being raped. They only have 48 hours before the colony men, who are away to post bail on the rapists, return.

A film adaptation of this 2018 novel is now showing during the Dietrich Theater’s Spring Film festival and this thought-provoking film should be a must watch during the festival.

In the United Artists Releasing presentation of ‘Women Talking,’ the women of an isolated religious colony reveal a shocking secret about the colony’s men.

For years, the men have occasionally drugged the women and then raped them. The truth comes out and the women talk about their new situation.

‘Women Talking’ is a thought-provoking drama that delivers amazing, and rather emotional performances from the entire cast.

There are quite a few moments throughout the film when you see a few of the characters get rather emotional while trying to figure out their future. All of the actresses did a superb job and a few of the performances are definitely award-worthy.

Throughout the course of the film, there are some moments that will make you think. A good amount of those moments involve some of the women debating whether to do nothing, stay and fight, or just simply leave the colony.

The film’s story is rather compelling and the subject matter of rape could be a tough watch. It’s one of those films that would have you wonder what you would do if you were one of the women.

‘Women Talking’ is a moving little film that has some truly powerful scenes and a lot of dialogue. The film can be a little slow-moving at times, yet still really insightful. So, during the Spring Film Festival, make sure to add ‘Women Talking’ to the list of films that you have to see!

Some of the cast: Rooney Mara as Ona; Judith Ivey as Agata; Emily Mitchell as Miep; Kate Hallett as Autje; Liv McNeil as Neitje; Claire Foy as Salome; Jessie Buckley as Mariche; Shayla Brown as Helena; August Winter as Melvin; Ben Whishaw as August, and Frances McDormand as Scarface Janz.

‘Women Talking’ is written and directed by Sarah Polley, who has written and directed ‘Stories We Tell,’ ‘Away From Her’ and ‘Take This Waltz.’ Polley also won this year’s Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for this film.

The film is rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, including sexual assault, bloody images, and some strong language and has a running time of 104 minutes.

Make sure to keep on checking my Wyoming County Press Examiner Facebook page to see what I will be reviewing next for the Examiner. Some of my upcoming reviews include ‘Evil Dead Rise,’ Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret’ and the film festival selection ‘Emily.’

https://youtu.be/dH7Sl2h_aHs