Widows
(20th Century Fox/Regency Enterprises)
By Lucas Allen
Director Steve McQueen (not to be confused with the late actor) won both praise and the Best Picture Oscar with 2013’s “12 Years a Slave.” He could do it again this awards season with his new heist drama, “Widows.” Much like the other film, this one graces the screen with an all-star cast, heavy drama and wonderful technical qualities to tell a dark thriller in a realistic world. While it may not be for everybody, it’s got all the right tools to be a really good movie.
Veronica (Viola Davis) thinks she’s living a perfect life with her husband Harry (Liam Neeson). But she discovers her husband was involved in a heist to steal $5 million with his cohorts Florek (Jon Bernthal), Carlos (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and Jimmy (Coburn Goss) that ended with them dead in an explosion.
After the funeral, she finds a notebook containing plans and information of past and future heists. She’s confronted by Jamal (Brian Tyree Henry), a candidate for Chicago’s 18th ward alderman, running against with current alderman Jack (Colin Farrell), who is seeking re-election under advisement from his father Tom (Robert Duvall). Jamal wants her to bring him back the money her husband stole from him or face consequences.
When she meets with two of the widows Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) and Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), Veronica asks them to help steal another $5 million to pay back both Jamal and his psychotic brother Jatemme (Oscar-nominee Daniel Kaluuya). Though they’re reluctant at first, both of them decide to do so to help with their own problems. With Linda’s babysitter Belle (Cynthia Erivo) as their driver, the three widows have to pull off a difficult heist while dealing with both corruption and personal tragedy.
This isn’t one of those heist movies where the real fun is seeing a group of people get together, plan out the steal, make the steal and see if they can get away with it. This one takes a darker approach in the same vein as Michael Mann’s “Heat,” by showing realistic outcomes from committing such crimes. No one gets out of it alive, and it helps keep the suspense going without letting up.
The movie also does a good job of offer enough twists and turns to keep you interested without boring you with the drama. How you ultimately feel about the movie will depend on how you feel about the twists themselves. The drama is heavy, but it works well within the film’s context. While there are good guys and bad guys, you understand each character’s perspective and their motivations. The movie is well-directed and it also makes great use of Chicago locations, highlighting the different classes as part of the plot.
There are also some interesting camera angles, which gives it an indie feel.
The best thing about this film is the strong performances the all-star cast manages to pull off. From the big roles to the small ones, each of actor displays every single facet they’re able to show.
Davis manages to carry the entire film in another great lead performance, while the rest of the actresses follow suit.
Though his role is small, Neeson becomes one of the film’s most pivotal characters in another good dramatic role. Widows is certainly the darkest of the heist films, where character and plot matters more than the action.
Again it’s not for everybody, but it’s well worth watching for its incredible cast while tackling timely social issues. If no other awards-worthy film is on your radar this month, maybe give this one a go.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: R (for violence, language throughout, and some sexuality/nudity)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.5 Stars (Out of Four)
