MOVIE REVIEW: WIDOWS

A police shootout leaves four thieves dead during an explosive armed robbery attempt in Chicago. Their widows -- Veronica, Linda, Alice and Belle -- have nothing in common except a debt left behind by their spouses' criminal activities. Hoping to forge a future on their own terms, Veronica joins forces with the other three women to pull off a heist that her husband was planning.

Director: Steve McQueen

Cast: Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Jacki Weaver, Carrie Coon, Robert Duvall, Liam Neeson

Release Date: November 16, 2018

Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Rated R for violence, language throughout, and some sexual content/nudity

Runtime: 2h 9 min

Review:

Steve McQueen’s Widows is a densely packed heist thriller.  Beautifully shot and thoroughly engaging, the film is never boring.  McQueen packs so much into his film that it might be necessary to give it multiple viewings.  He touches a multitude of topics from gender and racial politics all while unfurling a well crafted heist film.  The film moves at a methodical pace, never rushing from one scene to the next.  Instead it allows you to enjoy and appreciate the series of fine performances on display.  Viola Davis leads the film with her steady hand which makes you feel every bit of determination commingled with grief.  Elizabeth Debicki is just as impressive playing an abused trophy wife who is left picking up the pieces to her life after her husband’s death.  Michelle Rodriguez delivers as strong a performance as she can turn in but it’s hard not to notice the difference in talent level between her and her cast mates.  Colin Farrell and Robert Duvall make for a fascinating father and son duo and they deliver one of the film’s most impactful moments.  Brian Tyree Henry and Daniel Kaluuya are both just as interesting with limited screen time.  Widows is quiet at the level of Michael Mann’s Heat but its pretty close.

B+