Review of Widows (2018) by Legitsalt — 27 Feb 2019

Steve McQueen has been hailed by many as one of the best filmmakers working right now, with critically acclaimed films such as Hunger, Shame, and 12 Years a Slave. He certainly doesn’t disappoint this time either, delivering one of the, if not the, best heist films of the decade.

While it is true that the genre is generally niche and stale, Widows proves that you needn’t conform to genre clichés when making a heist film. The film has characters testing allegiances and getting even for the damage caused by a heist gone wrong.

With a female-centred cast, McQueen reverses traditional gender roles in a uniquely interesting way. The movie’s resolution and success are brought about by the diminutive view that men in power have of women and in particular widows.

Another unique element that the film manages to pull off is having two distinct “villain” parties, each of which being threatening in their own regard. However, the black gang, and especially Kaluuya’s character are viscerally menacing.

Their intimidating presence is felt from their first scene, and they succeed where most villains don’t, i.e. they are neither overly lofty nor meek. Kaluuya could easily be the best villain of the year, when he wants something, he gets it, for the most part.

The other “villain” party is the in-power, subtly racist white faction who seek to exploit the black community for profit, political advantage, and “their own good”. Through gerrymandering, misinformation, and abuse of power, Farrell’s character hits far too close to home.

Generally, the writing is quite good, side a few scenes, and the acting is remarkable from all players. The final twist is seemingly cliché but resolved well. The heist scenes themselves were tense and rewarding.

Overall, this movie delivers incisive social commentary accompanied by an engaging tale of mourning and revenge.