She Said
Based on the 2019 book of the same name by Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor – the New York Times journalists who exposed Harvey Weinstein’s long history of sexual misconduct and abuse against women – She Said stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as Twohey and Kantor, depicting the important investigative work they did with the help of the brave women who opened up about their harrowing stories, acting as a catalyst for the worldwide #MeToo movement.
The film’s premise involves discussing and exploring several sensitive topics, such as misogyny, racism, sexual assault and the ways that people in power can abuse capitalist systems to get what they want. These are very heavy concepts that needed to be handled with care and sensitivity, and it’s to She Said’s credit that it manages to deliver on this front, telling a comprehensive account of the investigations into Weinstein’s misconduct while both maintaining narrative momentum and giving the serious themes the oxygen they deserve.
This tight scripting is helped by a talented cast, who all work hard to ensure the key issues and emotions land as hard as they can. Mulligan and Kazan are fantastic in the lead roles, delivering multifaceted and emotive performances that add to the complexity of the writing and facilitate a sense of tension and compelling drama without falling into melodrama.
In particular, the film spends a lot of time focusing on Weinstein’s victims, ranging from high-profile celebrities to people like Zelda Perkins and Rowena Chu – individuals whose important narratives are often left on the sidelines in discussions of sexual assault in the industry. She Said makes sure to elevate the voices of the vulnerable, effectively communicating the fear that Weinstein instilled in his targets, the lasting impact his misconduct had on them professionally and emotionally, and the bond between women that ultimately empowered them to share their stories, all the while ensuring the survivors have agency and dignity.
Overall, this is a brilliant biopic, juggling complex topics and discussions effectively, without being sensationalist or theatrical. Written with an intelligent and sensitive hand and supported by a very talented cast, She Said is a testament to the pursuit of truth and the power of solidarity, adding to the ongoing conversation of #MeToo in several important ways.
Umar Ali
She Said is released nationwide on 25th November 2022.
Read more reviews and interviews from our London Film Festival 2022 coverage here.
For further information about the festival visit the official BFI website here.
Watch the trailer for She Said here:
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