Widows (2018)

Widows (2018)

7/10

Starring

Viola Davis

Michelle Rodriguez

Elizabeth Debicki

Cynthia Erivo

Directed by Steve McQueen

If Viola Davis is going to be in a movie, you have to expect a ground-shaking performance. She was outstanding, and she wore the role so well that you forget you’re watching a fictitious tale. It’s also worth noting how the plot unfolds gently, engulfing you in the process.

I first heard of this movie back in 2018 when it was released. I didn’t care to watch it because the plot seemed so similar to other things I’ve seen. I just didn’t know any better. But this movie is very unique in its own way, crafting a story about these down-on-their-luck nobodies (three ladies) wanting to become criminals. These ladies are the widows of thieves who died, leaving their wives in debt.

I have to appreciate the work done by the director Steve McQueen, who also co-produced and co-wrote the screenplay for this movie based on a British TV series from the '80s. The movie also boasts some fine performances from the other ladies in Viola’s crew. In this movie, Viola plays Veronica, the wife of the ringleader of the thieves.

The movie starts with us meeting Veronica and her husband Harry (Liam Neeson). Harry, as mentioned, is the leader of a thieving crew, and we watch as their plans go down in flames. All four men are dead, leaving behind their wives to mourn. Veronica is still in mourning when a mob leader comes knocking on her door. He informs her that Harry’s last job was to steal from him. Worse, since the job didn’t go well, he’s out $2 million. He doesn’t want to know how; all he wants is for Veronica to have his money when the time comes.

Veronica gets a safe deposit box key, which Harry had left her in case anything happens to him. She uses it to discover a book where Harry keeps records of things. Not knowing what to do, she reaches out to the other widows, only two of them care to respond. She tells them they better join up with her, as she doesn’t want any of them to die. They have to come up with a way to get the money before the time given runs out.

How everything turned on its head at the last moment is what this movie showcases. How each lady grew based on their own problems is also something this movie boasts about.

Widows is outstanding; the cast is relentless in their delivery of their roles, and the movie is so memorable. Here’s one movie you can watch now and want to watch again.