IS SHE SAID A FASCINATING STORY ON SEXUAL ASSAULT IN HOLLYWOOD?

It’s not focused on sexual assault and misconduct in Hollywood, but it’s a true story of journalists who exposed sexual abuse allegations against Harvey Weinstein. Although slow from beginning to end, She Said is incredibly and notably compelling.

The story of New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor publishing a report exposing the sexual abuse allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, which additionally launched the #MeToo movement, breaking the silence about sexual assault and harassment.

Director: Maria Schrader
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Samantha Morton, Ashley Judd
Writer: Rebecca Lenkiewicz
Release Date (Australia): 17 November 2022
Runtime: 128 minutes/2h 8m
Genre: Drama, History, Biography
Country: USA
Language: English

R (for language and descriptions of sexual assault)

This biographical drama isn’t about the entire formation of the #MeToo movement or the 82 women who came forward with their allegations against Harvey Weinstein; it’s simply a drama on investigative journalism. We’ve seen plenty of biography-dramas and powerful historical movies to expect a film revolving around this shocking case to go to production at some point. Alike the movie Bombshell in 2019 however, there isn’t a big gap between the case and the releasing of the true-story film, definitely making for an interesting watch for viewers in 2022.

Directed by Maria Schrader and written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the film depicts the story behind the publishing of the Harvey Weinstein sexual assault allegations article which became popular around the world in 2017. It’s amazing by itself the fact that these are only the events behind The New York Times publishing the story, considering it’s the small-dot beginning on the timeline of this case. She Said looks at the journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, as they dig deeper into the case, making plenty of phone calls that are followed by never-ending denials and rejections.

The biggest compliment you could probably ever give to a cast is to say their work was so convincing and talented, that you forgot you weren’t watching actual events unfold, and that is absolutely the case with She Said. It’s not the highlights of their careers, but actresses Carey Mulligan’s and Zoe Kazan’s performances are extremely lifelike and never go over-the-top. Production-wise, the film is also crafted superbly. Schrader does an excellent job behind the camera. Despite some feminist content, it doesn’t feel like too much like a feminist film, but it’s about exposing Harvey Weinstein and how the #MeToo movement began.

Unfortunately, this movie isn’t near the point of perfection, as there are so many issues that require improvement. It’s mainly the very slow pacing and the fact that so much of it could’ve been cut to make a shorter, more enjoyable watch. She Said is definitely an example though, of how despite a movie being a slow-burner and the details not being presented quickly, it has you captivated and completely intrigued in the story the whole time, which makes this movie worth a watch, and definitely one you’ll find riveting, powerful and very watchable.

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