Adapted from a landmark New York Times investigation/book, She Said (directed by Maria Schrader) is the fascinating expose on sexual harassment of women and subsequent cover-up which led to the beginnings of the MeToo movement in Hollywood and beyond.
In 2016 with President Trump’s alleged, improper behavior and subsequent focus on rumors of sexual misconduct in Hollywood, two New York Times reporters (Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan) investigate Harvey Weinstein, a powerful, manipulative producer who for decades has allegedly preyed on women via seemingly innocent production meetings that become sexual encounters. A grim picture emerges of destroyed lives amid sexual harassment, intimidation, and the fear of being blacklisted. However, Weinstein’s pattern of behavior is just part of a larger, systemic problem. The ultimate challenge becomes getting victims or witnesses to ‘go on the record’, and slowly production assistants and accountants are joined by actresses in coming forward as the truth begins to come to light.
Told mainly from the reporters’ point of view, it’s an engrossing, mystery story and a riveting journey with subject matter that maintains your attention from beginning to end. These reporters are humanized by showing their personal lives and families, and though frustrated by dead ends and self-doubt, they are also brave, compassionate and relentless. Their reporting of sensitive stories from broken individuals is sobering and heartbreaking, but by giving voice to them, it becomes empowering.
Highlighted
by an emotional turning point with Ashley Judd (portraying herself), the strong
cast shines. In the tradition of
landmark, investigative films like All
the President’s Men, Spotlight, and
more recently, The Post, it’s not
necessarily a perfect film, but its timely
topic and adherence to a compelling, true story warrant attention and
awards buzz. These ordinary reporters became extraordinary heroes for our time.
****
of **** stars
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