Women Talking is a drama written and directed by Sarah Polley, and adapted from the novel of the same name by Miriam Toews, itself inspired by true events. The film has been nominated for the awards of Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Picture in the upcoming 2023 Academy Awards ceremony, and this recognition is deserved; Women Talking is a powerhouse of acting and writing. The amazing cast bring to life their characters vividly, with the script providing each actor strong characterisation to draw from to encourage this, resulting in the striking feeling of sitting in with them on the deliberations and debates of the film.

 

Women Talking observes the short period of time that the women of an unnamed Mennonite community have to consider their future following their corroborated claims of physical and sexual abuse at the hands of men within their community. The lack of action taken by the elders of the community to either protect the women and children or punish the perpetrators has galvanised the women into making a direct choice for themselves regarding their safety and their futures: to stay at the community and forgiven the men their crimes, to leave the community and risk damnation, or to stay and fight their abusers and change their community.

 

It’s impossible to identify a standout performance here as the stacked cast all turn in thoroughly impressive work. Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Ben Whishaw and Frances McDormand (in a smaller but still impactful role) are the big names but the lesser known younger actors hold their own which is an impressive feat. The cast’s strong work and the screenplay’s clever structure allow for an otherwise oppressively dark and sad premise to become, amongst other things for the characters: a driving source of rage, a lens for examination of the relationship between faith and power, and an opportunity for agency in deciding the next stage of their lives. This all runs together to create a shocking, riveting, and at times profound piece of cinema.

 

Women Talking is a striking and deeply human film. Excellent performances from a talented cast and a masterful screenplay from director Sarah Polley work in tandem to thoroughly justify the film’s 2 Oscar nominations.