She Said (2022)

The New York Times’ scathing investigation into Harvey Weinstein and his actions against women takes centre stage in Maria Schrader’s “She Said.” The film follows reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor and their gruelling months long investigation as they deal with dead-end leads, constant streams of threats and intimidation, and a sprawling web of women who fell victim to Weinstein. Schrader adaptation of Twohey and Kantor’s 2019 novel, brings the story of one of Hollywood’s biggest scandals to the screen, a scandal that helped ignite the #metoo movement and pushed for major change towards the treatment of women in the workplace.

In 2017, the New York Times decides to launch investigations into sexual harassment in the workplace. Investigative journalist Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) begins to focus her investigation on Hollywood after receiving a tip that actress Rose McGowan was sexually assaulted by prolific producer Harvey Weinstein in 1997. Kantor speaks to Gwyneth Paltrow and Ashley Judd about their experiences, but her investigation stalls when none of the actresses agree to being named in fear of their careers being tarnished. Frustrated Kantor enlists the help of fellow reporter Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan). Together the pair uncover shocking secrets about Weinstein, and how he worked to covered up decades worth of assault and abuse with numerous settlements and NDAs, ruining countless lives in the process. As publication nears, Weinstein refuses to admit to any wrongdoing, but when the article is finally published his decades of abuse, assault, and rape are exposed to the world, finally stopping Weinstein, and igniting a worldwide movement.

Mulligan and Kazan give terrific turns as Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, leading a cast full of sensational performances. With the determination of Mulligan and Kazan to tell these women’s stories, their performances exude a burning passion for journalism making them so enjoyable to watch. Jennifer Ehle, Angela Yeoh, and Samantha Morton, who each portray some of Weinstein’s victims, deliver compelling performances that are moving and sensitively convey the horrific experiences these women had to endure. While most of Weinstein’s victims depicted in the film are played by actresses, Ashley Judd, and Gwyneth Paltrow both star in the film as themselves, although Paltrow only appears via a voice cameo while on the phone with Kantor (Kazan).

Rebecca Lenkiewicz (“Disobedience”) brilliantly adapts Kantor and Twohey’s novel for the big screen, composing a compelling screenplay that balances shocking drama with vulnerable emotions. The film’s pace, mixed with the outrageous reveals and twists, comfortably fills the two-hour runtime, keeping you constantly on the edge of your seat. Even though “She Said” may feel wordy at times, each word spoken lingers with you and doesn’t feel unwarranted or unnecessary at any point, allowing these emotional stories to be told. Director Maria Schrader (“I’m Your Man”) crafts a film that neatly brings one of Hollywood’s biggest scandals to the big screen in a way that doesn’t feel cheap or inauthentic. Three-time Oscar nominee Nicholas Britell composes a sombre score that marvellously reflects the tone of the film, mixing melodic piano pieces with the deep sounds of a cello (courtesy of cellist Caitlin Sullivan).

One of 2022’s most insightful and rousing films, “She Said” is driven by powerful performances and a gripping narrative. Maria Schrader brings audiences an important story that delivers an important message, highlighting the gross amounts of sexual misconduct that has been happening in Hollywood for decades, and how much damage one man caused over his 30-year career. Schrader expertly highlights the power of journalism and the impact it can have, creating a film that feels akin to Tom McCarthy’s “Spotlight” and Steven Spielberg’s “The Post.” Tense, enthralling, and shocking, “She Said” is one of the most compelling films of this year and an absolute must-watch.