Rating of
3/4
Excellently acted; Suitably entertaining.
Indyfreak - wrote on 03/26/19
WIDOWS aims high and mighty, trying to the female led version of neo-noir epics like HEAT or Goodfellas. It doesn't reach that level but it remains a thrilling crime drama. Like those other movies, it's an excuse for established actors to slink back into familiar roles that include bank robbers, gangsters, political bosses, and other staples of the genre.
When the film works best is during the planning of the heist and the twists that occur as it delivers what the marketing promised. Sometimes though the plot deviates into this side story about an upcoming election;there's no allusion to real-life figures since both candidates are dirty crooks (insert politician joke here). But it seems unnecessary in the scheme of things.
The cast is good overall. Viola Davis killing it is no surprise at this point as the ringleader. Elizabeth Debicki and Michelle Rodriguez are give strong dramatic turns as desperate wives forced into a dangerous new life. Out of the male supporting cast, Daniel Kaluuya is given a chance to shine as a quietly menacing and sadistic mobster.
Steve McQueen directs it well and viewers will enjoy the ride.
