Saw Widows over the weekend. Interestingly, I think the only review I had skimmed was kind of critical of this film -- and when I saw it, I really liked it, and then I saw many of the reviews were actually more positive (so I'm not sure what this reviewer was upset about).
Basic gist (not much of a spoiler) is that a thief gang is all wiped up during a heist-gone-bad. The widow of the leader is left on the hook (underground) for the money not received. She pulls together the other widows and they decide to run a heist themselves to get the money AND cover their own futures. While this sounds like "girls stealing stuff" along the Ocean 8 theme, it's definitely not like that film at all in terms of tone -- these are women who are NOT experienced robbers, and the film is a drama/thriller, and it's more about their moxie and self-determination than a cool fun caper they're pulling off. There's also some really dark violent moments in the film, there's a lot that can leave you on edge.
Viola Davis as the "head widow" has the most dramatic moments, and there's some good ones here -- it's clear why she got cast, she can nail these parts and sell the film. But really interesting in terms of all the other women, especially Elizabeth Debicki (maybe you'll recognize her from playing the golden Princess Ayeshi in GotG vol 2 -- she's model-gorgeous and stunningly tall ... 6'3"). Cynthia Erivo is pretty new to films I think, but boy was she fierce and her body pumped.. she's got an impressive, compact physique and could be scary in a fight. During the film they are each given particular challenges to overcome, and while not having much skill, they quickly learn to use what they DO have to pull things off as best as they can. I love how they are each different body shapes, sizes, and capabilities. There were also moments I was like, "but what about..." and then the film answered my question in some way; I appreciate that level of thoughtfulness in a script.
I think the film can confuse people looking for a clear genre / through-path. Is it a crime drama? is it a heist / caper film? Is it a sadistic gang film? political thriller? I couldn't really place a genre on it myself per se, and I think that is Steve McQueen branding right there... he's fine with mixing various genres together or doing things "off template." What I think it comes down to in the end is about women taking care of the messes they are left with and finding ways to support each other even when they're at odds, as much as possible... the women don't necessarily get along very well nor are they connected over the long term, but they are each looking for a way to clean up their own individual messes their dead husbands left them with and they create a "professional" relationship with each other, although personal drama can sometimes creep back in. I really didn't know how the movie would end or who would be where by the story's completion, which I think is a good thing. There's a lot of injustice in the system, though, and it feels like if these women don't take care of themselves, no one will -- no one gives a shit about them otherwise.
The film has great editing in its first ten minutes, I love the cuts. Also, this film might have one of the best explosions i think I've seen in a film in recent years.
