Women Talking is dignified, examining sexual assault with moral nuance, fresh perspectives, and a measured tone. It's surprisingly objective in its dissection of forgiveness, endurance, levity, autonomy, faith, and the unity between love and violence. Plus, it concludes that structural inequality is the infectious root issue. Despite digging so deep, Women Talking remains grounded in familiar characters. There's a structured plot, earned emotions, natural yet compelling dialogue, and satisfying arcs. Also, the acting is thoroughly vulnerable, calculated, patient, ranged, animated, layered, and fundamental to the conversation-based script. Thus, Women Talking is drama in its purest form.
Technically, Women Talking is concise. Its imagery maximizes the limited space with meaningful composition, lighting, focus, movement, and desaturation. The music is a bit repetitive, but its theme is perfectly memorable, pensive, and elegant. The production design depicts a rural setting and antiquated lifestyle. Its sound provides voiceover bookends, muting, split cuts, and a significant bell motif. The editing utilizes montages, fades, inserts, intercuts, deliberate pacing, and an efficient runtime. The minor effects are impactful and the underrecognized cast is highly skilled. Overall, Women Talking accomplished weighty emotions and concentrated ideas with optimized engagement.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 9/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 8.5/10
Comments