Widows mainly follows the lives of three women Veronica Rawlings (Viola Davis), Linda Perelli (Michelle Rodriguez), and Alice Gunner (Elizabeth Debicki), whose lives have taken a dramatic turn when their husbands die while committing a robbery heist. Led by Veronica’s husband Harry Rawlings (Liam Neeson), he and his crew stole two million dollars from crime boss/politician Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry), but the aforementioned heist goes south, resulting in the two million dollars blowing up in smoke.
Soon after the respective funerals, Jamal Manning approaches Veronica and tasks her with gathering two million dollars, so the debt can be repaid. Initially hesitant, Veronica finds the courage to formulate plans on how she can repay her late husband’s debt. Fortunately, she comes across one of Harry’s notebooks that has detailed plans of a promising heist—with five million dollars being the takeaway. She then recruits the help of Linda Perelli and Alice Gunner to plan and execute this brazen plan. With their lives turned upside down after their husbands’ deaths, Linda and Alice are onboard to not only pay back crime boss Jamal Manning, but also use the remaining money to pave the way for better and thriving lives.
Directed by Steve McQueen, Widows is the fourth film by the Oscar-Winning director. McQueen, in the past, has directed and co-written psychological dramas (Hunger, Shame) as well as period films about slavery (12 Years a Slave). McQueen is once again doing drama but is also mixing in elements of crime and action into the mix. It is with great pleasure to say that McQueen once again gives viewers a memorable experience at the movies. Widows is a great crime-drama that is elevated by compelling drama, great action set-pieces, and great performances.
From a directorial standpoint, McQueen showcases his skill for directing action scenes. He and cinematographer Sean Bobbitt film the action sequences in perceptible, yet sometimes shaky shots, which gives the scenes a frenetic pace and at the same time allows viewers to easily become enthralled. It is refreshing to see well-filmed action sequences because most films (excluding the John Wick franchise, Mad Max Fury Road) use a lot of shaky cam to hide bad action choreography (ex: Taken 2 and 3). Thankfully, McQueen and Bobbitt crafted great action sequences for viewers to relish and enjoy. While the action is top-notch, the characters’ journeys throughout the film are also engrossing.
Widows is co-written by Gillian Flynn and Steve McQueen—adapted from the book by Lynda La Plante. Flynn and McQueen’s screenplay provides several characters with substantial subplots, with the Widows’ being the most prominent. Sequences of the widows struggling to adapt to their new lives highlight and reveal their motivations and desires. As viewers, we understand their plight and want them to succeed. As mentioned before, minor characters are given a lot of screen time, which includes Belle (Cynthia Erivo), a single mom who works two jobs to make ends meet; crime boss Jamal Manning and Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell) who are running against each other for the position of alderman—each with their own goals for what actions they will carry out when they win. Also, Jatemme Manning (Daniel Kaluuya), brother and right-hand man of Jamal, handles the gritty and malicious side of the crime business. All of these subplots carry dramatic weight and are important to the film’s overarching plot. Overall, Flynn and McQueen do a great job of juggling these subplots together. However, by the film’s end, some plot elements are left unresolved and some questions are left unanswered.
Performance-wise, all the actors involved are at the top of their game. Viola Davis, who in 2016 played the tough-as-nails Amanda Waller in Suicide Squad, delivers a great performance as Veronica. Like the character Amanda Waller, Veronica has a tough exterior and at times isn’t approachable. Davis had the tough job of showing Veronica as a strong woman with unwavering determination while also hinting at Veronica’s fear of showing weakness and insecurity. It’s a tough character to nail, and Davis was the perfect choice for the character. Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki likewise deliver great performances in their roles, playing off each other well and holding their own alongside Viola Davis. Rising actors Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out), Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta, White Boy Rick) and Cynthia Erivo (Bad Times at the El Royale) continue to make their mark in Hollywood, with each bringing complexity and determination to their characters.
Widows will not only be known for its great acting, but also for its great direction, action sequences, and compelling drama. For those who are interested in checking out an entertaining crime-drama, check out Widows. It’s worth a watch.
Roderick's Reviews 