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7

The3AcademySinsAug 30, 2019

Widows is a really fun and gritty heist movie. The ensemble cast spearheaded by Viola Davis is incredible to watch. The camerawork is innovative, and the direction does a fantastic job of capturing the seedy underbelly of Chicago. GillianWidows is a really fun and gritty heist movie. The ensemble cast spearheaded by Viola Davis is incredible to watch. The camerawork is innovative, and the direction does a fantastic job of capturing the seedy underbelly of Chicago. Gillian Flynn's script is a good follow up to Gone Girl, and does enough differently to experiment and really tell a good story. Not all of the experiments work, and there are some out of place political jabs that slow the movie down. However, this is an engaging story about a group of women who aren't going to lie back and take what life is giving them. Definitely a recommend from me!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

finnmccool1985Dec 13, 2018

Funny to watch the corporate media, whether in shows/movies like this or otherwise, lecture you ethically after Tablet Magazines recent Bombshell article on Racism/radical Islamism financing the women's movement. Mcqueen was a better directorFunny to watch the corporate media, whether in shows/movies like this or otherwise, lecture you ethically after Tablet Magazines recent Bombshell article on Racism/radical Islamism financing the women's movement. Mcqueen was a better director in his early day)s (Hunger, before he started exaggerating for Hollywood PR sake, which is pathetic for an artist of his caliber.… Expand

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7

bataguilaDec 3, 2018

Entretenida, la vuelta de tuerca a 3/4 de peli esta interesante, las mujeres trabajan bien, aborda varias problematicas. El problema cae en un bache a media peli, las motivaciones de los villanos no quedan bien explicadas. Me gusta comoEntretenida, la vuelta de tuerca a 3/4 de peli esta interesante, las mujeres trabajan bien, aborda varias problematicas. El problema cae en un bache a media peli, las motivaciones de los villanos no quedan bien explicadas. Me gusta como trabaja Kaluya… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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9

Vitor007Dec 7, 2018

"Widows"can surprise and leave us satisfied quickly. With a pretty unique story, Viola Davis fits perfectly into the role, but not only her, all cast members, making her experience amazing. In spite of not having a focus message (whose makes"Widows"can surprise and leave us satisfied quickly. With a pretty unique story, Viola Davis fits perfectly into the role, but not only her, all cast members, making her experience amazing. In spite of not having a focus message (whose makes a confusing type of film), it concludes very well without leaving loose ends. He deserves full recognition in the awards season. 9.3/10… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

jasharkowalskiDec 1, 2018

This is the film Spike Lee would kill to direct! Never saw the TV show but the movie is kicking ass, a true female power blended with black-lives-matter and dirty politics in Chicago. Girls in the movie don't act, they simply lived theThis is the film Spike Lee would kill to direct! Never saw the TV show but the movie is kicking ass, a true female power blended with black-lives-matter and dirty politics in Chicago. Girls in the movie don't act, they simply lived the characters ! I will praise the photography in the movie, those close-ups with Viola Davis are pure classic! Now run to the theater near you and enjoy one of the best movies (if not the best) of the passing year.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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9

LamontRaymondNov 16, 2018

I had been looking forward to this one for months. It's a VERY good movie, just not something revelatory like I hoped it might be. Every actress in the film is right on the money (and special shout-out to Jackie Weaver for an incredible jobI had been looking forward to this one for months. It's a VERY good movie, just not something revelatory like I hoped it might be. Every actress in the film is right on the money (and special shout-out to Jackie Weaver for an incredible job in a very small part). Where it falls just slightly short is in the pacing - about half way through, I thought this was going to be a set-up for a 10-hour TV season. But as a film, it needed to kick in to gear more quickly. It establishes for about 60% and then truly gets moving in the last 20%. But I would certainly recommend this to anyone. It absolutely deserves its Must-See status.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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8

Rebecca31Nov 17, 2018

Set in Chicago, four women are left with the debt left behind by their dead husband’s crimes. Rather than sit back and take it Veronica (Viola Davis), Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) and Belle (Cynthia Erivo) takeSet in Chicago, four women are left with the debt left behind by their dead husband’s crimes. Rather than sit back and take it Veronica (Viola Davis), Alice (Elizabeth Debicki), Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) and Belle (Cynthia Erivo) take matters into their own hands.

Story by Gillian Flynn and directed by Steve McQueen. A thriller with brilliant performances that will have you on the edge of your seat. An original and slightly different take on a heist film. And lets face it the heist genre has been done again and again so it’s refreshing to see one that isn’t just a rehash of Oceans 11. The chemistry between the women is what made this for me, along with the character development. Throw in a slimy politician in the form of Colin Farrell and the generic movie psychopath in the form of Daniel Kaluuya and you’ve got yourself a must see crime thriller. It reels you in with it’s sharp script and realistic characters you don’t sit there questioning the logistics of the plan or the heist you’re fully invested. My only criticism is Liam Neeson, he’s completely miscast and clearly just put in the film to get more people to see it. You’re not going to see this for Liam Neeson, everyone else fit into their parts yet he just stood out the whole time for me. Don’t let that put you off, Widows is worth your time. Dark, gritty and highly recommended.… Expand

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10

phatandyNov 23, 2018

Finally a movie with two strong black female leads. Viola Davis and Cynthia Erivo are amazing.

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9

MattBrady99Nov 16, 2018

LIFF32 (2018) #2

“May a man live well-enough and long-enough, to leave many joyful widows behind him.” Remember Ocean's 8? Nah, neither do I. ‘Widows’ is an outstanding crime drama from director Steve McQueen. A female driven movie thatLIFF32 (2018) #2

“May a man live well-enough and long-enough, to leave many joyful widows behind him.”

Remember Ocean's 8? Nah, neither do I.

‘Widows’ is an outstanding crime drama from director Steve McQueen. A female driven movie that doesn't glorify itself as such. It's smart and compelling - emotional roller coaster through out. The themes of corruption, politicians, sexism, race relations, privileges, and greed that mirrors society we know. I was hooked from start till finish.

Steve McQueen took something that could’ve been a generic mainstream heist movie, but made it so refreshing. Just like ‘First Man’, it’s a complete departure from his other work, but isn’t too different where you can’t believe he directed it. Plenty of long shots, especially how he directed a freestyle rap with the camera spinning around a group of characters. I thought that scene was brilliantly done. There’s a scene where Colin Farrell drives to his house after a election promotion, but McQueen mounts the camera on the hood of the car and we only hear Farrell’s conversation while nothing is visible - which is all done in one shot. Rather than cutting back or forward, but McQueen isn’t flat. His directing is bold and makes every shot engaging.

How about the cast? It’s something to die for. Everyone manages to get their time to shine. Viola Davis is excellent as usual and the main center of a crowded cast. I love the little details with her character: Like how she always carries around a white fluffy dog almost like a child. She can express grief and the weight on her shoulders and play it effortlessly. Honestly, she’s one of the greatest actress of this generation.

Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez, and Cynthia Erivo command the screen whenever they are on. Just like Davis, these wife’s have nothing in common, which serves as development in character with different backgrounds. Great to see Rodriguez finally showing dramatic range.

But Daniel Kaluuya scared the sh*t out of me. The intensity in his presence and brutal killings makes him a true threat. Every Time he appears on screen, you know something horrible is going to happen. Colin Farrell and Robert Duvall are so great together, which surprised me to learn that both of they scenes, according to McQueen was completely improvised. Even Liam Neeson, despite the small screen time, but he’s really good and I wish he did more dramatic work than any other ‘Taken’ movie.

The other cast members are also great, but we’ll be here for days when naming them off. I could go on forever.

Han Zimmer’s score is nothing short of haunting. Gloomy with a heavy theme of loneliness. However, it picks up pace when the heist shifts in gear and everything from there is tension after tension. The beats gets higher and eventually becomes untamed.

For issues: There’s not a lot for complains. Although if I have to pick. Since there’s so much going on, it can sometimes interrupt the flow. Other than that, that’s really it.

Overall rating: I really struggled to catch a breath.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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8

moviemitch96Nov 16, 2018

This was a solid film that had a little bit of everything to offer! A daring heist, criminals and gangsters, corrupt politicians, but most of all: four bold women willing to risk everything, all in the name of justice for themselves and theirThis was a solid film that had a little bit of everything to offer! A daring heist, criminals and gangsters, corrupt politicians, but most of all: four bold women willing to risk everything, all in the name of justice for themselves and their late husbands who were killed in a heist gone wrong. The film boasts and A-list all-star cast, and every one of them give such great performances that I can't really single anybody out for praise. However, I will say that it was really nice to see the four main women this film centered on given a great opportunity to shine in such a bold and gritty narrative that's almost always reserved for men. Themes of empowerment towards them definitely run heavy throughout the film, but the material and story they're given to work with definitely lives up to its potential and blends very well with said themes. The biggest issue with ensemble films however is that sometimes when there's so many characters and story arcs, it's hard to give equal balance to all of them and they aren't quite fully resolved or given the full closure that they deserve. Such is the case with the final act of this film, which felt a little rushed in many regards, but the rest of the film was definitely compelling with a solid story to tell and a very talented cast to help tell it!… Expand

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9

TVJerryNov 21, 2018

Viola Davis heads this cast of women who must pick up the pieces after their husbands are killed in a robbery gone wrong. Although it screams out of the gate with a furious car chase, the film settles into a robust character drama (with someViola Davis heads this cast of women who must pick up the pieces after their husbands are killed in a robbery gone wrong. Although it screams out of the gate with a furious car chase, the film settles into a robust character drama (with some social commentary for extra punch). The group of women has to deal with their own lives, while trying to manage an elaborate heist. Still, this film is more about the people than the crime. All of the exceptional actors create interesting characters. Director Steve McQueen has included a few technically flashy shots and some surprising twists, but he's imbued every frame with a quiet intensity that keeps it compelling. Although one might be tempted to compare it to "Oceans 8," this is much less glossy and much more thoughtful.… Expand

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7

slewis4449Nov 20, 2018

Overall, this was an enjoyable movie. Recently, I've seen some boring movies disguised as "thoughtful", but this is definitely the opposite. Even in the more "thought-provoking" parts of the movie, where the end is being set up, I found thatOverall, this was an enjoyable movie. Recently, I've seen some boring movies disguised as "thoughtful", but this is definitely the opposite. Even in the more "thought-provoking" parts of the movie, where the end is being set up, I found that the characters and direction kept me entertained. There are some scenes that only contribute to a sub-plot of the movie, and they are occasionally better than the main plot. This one scene in the car was particularly interesting. I think the main things that grounds this movie are the performances and characters. The plot isn't particularly engaging or action-packed, and the pacing could use some work, but the performances kept me engaged and entertained and I think that kept me feeling it was worth the watch.… Expand

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10

AlrisaNov 16, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Greatest film of the year. not only that. but it is also one of the Greatest film of all time ever made. All cast as Awesome especially Viola Davis and Daniel Kaluuya are extraordinary. Another Masterpiece from Steve Mcqueen after 12 years of slave. You always Make a Great film Mr. Steve… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

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10

zlatanmazuidiNov 18, 2018

another triggered right-winger group which wants to destroy critics as it already was in get out and black panther- this movie is an instant classic - not like oceans' 8 which can be thrown in the "poubelle"

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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8

BrianMcCriticNov 17, 2018

Widows is a fabulous heist movie with terrific performances. Steve McQueen directs this film with great detail and while there were a couple of moments that had me puzzled but overall there is a lot to appreciate here. Overall a middle 8 an A-.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

hoobokenkenDec 3, 2018

Original, fast, furious exciting and very well acted. You will be out of breath by the end.

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7

jeremypNov 30, 2018

I have to think that the critics went for this one because it's by a famed Black Director. It's basically a not very good heist movie that's overly violent, full of plot holes, and some ludicrous suspend belief plotting. It lacks depth, andI have to think that the critics went for this one because it's by a famed Black Director. It's basically a not very good heist movie that's overly violent, full of plot holes, and some ludicrous suspend belief plotting. It lacks depth, and the action allows one to forget that, and the actual heist takes up less than a couple of minutes. Other than Viola Davis and Debicki the ladies get scant screen time, and they waste the great Carrie Coon, and there is not enough of Erivo, who steals the movie.… Expand

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7

Compi24Nov 17, 2018

Acclaimed auteur Steve McQueen follows up his Best-Picture-winning masterpiece "12 Years A Slave" with "Widows," one of the year's stronger, yet still frustratingly lacking cinematic experiences. You get so much to chew on as a filmgoer. It'sAcclaimed auteur Steve McQueen follows up his Best-Picture-winning masterpiece "12 Years A Slave" with "Widows," one of the year's stronger, yet still frustratingly lacking cinematic experiences. You get so much to chew on as a filmgoer. It's shot and performed adeptly, and features one of the best final acts I've seen in a film so far this year. But if I'm being honest, there were some character dynamics I just didn't care for, and one scene in particular that's just so poorly conceived that I had to drop the film down another half-point. It's not a bad film by any stretch, and I appreciated a lot of the attention to detail (eapcially with the setting) but I just couldn't help but feel a tad disappointed with the final product.… Expand

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9

alejandro970Dec 9, 2018

Supported by strong cast, is a blow of fresh air for heist movies when you think you seen everything. Based upon a book, the story thief-stels thief has enough for catch your attention without the resources of other movies.

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8

thedaywalkerNov 18, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Widows did not disappoint, and instead was even better than I expected.

Widows starts already banging, letting you know it's serious from the first minute. Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki are amazing as the leading roles, it's probably the best I've seen Michelle Rodriguez act... ever.

But this doesn't feel like the typical heist movie, it does a lot of character work. The editing is great, in no instance this movie feels dragged out, the scene where the heist is taking place, they put some masks on, and you can hear their heavy breathing, you can feel how nervous they are.

There's a scene where Collin Farell gets in a car, but instead of filming the inside of the car, the camera is on the hood of the car, and you just listen to Collin Farell argue with his assistant, I thought it was great, Steve McQueen does a great work directing this

Daniel Kaluuya is terrifying in this movie. Every time he's on screen, you sense something is going down, the way he taunts the people he's going to kill or hurt, is terrifying... just brilliant.

The politics in this movie, at times, felt distracting of the real deal going on, but it was quite necessary. Some scenes felt awkward and like they could have been cut out, like Michelle Rodriguez's character simply kissing another man, who's wife just died, I mean, i got the sentiment, but thought it was unnecessary to the movie.

Overall a great watch, Steve McQueen after a 5 year break after 12 years a slave, gives us another great movie… Expand

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8

manningn15Feb 23, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Viola Davis's performance was stupendous, one of her best roles. Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez, Daniel Kaluuya, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, and Robert Duvall also gave amazing performances. The writing, screenplay, and story were terrific, I loved the twist in the movie I never saw it coming. Even though it was slow at times it was still a great movie.… Expand

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8

GreatMartinNov 27, 2018

I became a fan of Viola Davis's in 2008 when she stole her scenes from Meryl Streep in "Doubt" and I am fascinated by what she can do with her face in the "How To Get Away With Murder" television series and I never miss an episode. Though II became a fan of Viola Davis's in 2008 when she stole her scenes from Meryl Streep in "Doubt" and I am fascinated by what she can do with her face in the "How To Get Away With Murder" television series and I never miss an episode. Though I haven't seen any of the "Fast and Furious" films in which she has starred I have always felt some empathy for Michelle Rodriguez and her many run-ins with the law. I have heard a lot, both pro and con, about Cynthia Erivo regarding her star-making role on stage in the musicalized version "The Color Purple" but this is the first time I have seen her. Talking about the first time, I don't ever recall seeing Elizabeth Debick before but once you do you won't forget her and it would be a spoiler if I said anything more about that introduction!

The "Widows" is about women taking charge in basically what would be a men's genre, a heist film. Director Steve McQueen, mainly known for "12 Years A Slave", directs, and co-wrote the script with Gillian Flynn, author of "Gone Girl", keeping the pace quick with some outstanding camera work. There are many twists and turns and at points, just a bit too much regarding sex, race, politics and social issues along with too much unnecessary violence but the film is easy to follow except near the end, which I'll get back to in a minute. No matter where the film goes the women always hold your interest which makes this a better than average heist film.

I do have a couple of questions about the ending but discussing them here would give away some major points and give away some of the surprises so after you have seen the film let's talk!

The film could have been tightened up a bit regarding its over 2 hour playing time just by cutting out Robert Duvall's storyline, not that he isn't good but it really doesn't add anything to the film, the storyline or the heist but does add to the Chicago politics of the time.

Be prepared for some laughs, certainly a jump out of your seat once or twice and definitely a jolt at some of the violence but "Widows" entertains plus allows the audience to watch some fine acting by the actresses. I am not ignoring the men but it is hard talking about their roles without giving spoilers except to say, maybe, that Liam Neeson is Davis's husband or that Colin Farrell is Duvall's son, etc.

Just watching Viola Davis's face is worth the admission alone!… Expand