TIFF 2022: Women Talking Review

This will be one of many reviews during this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, to keep up with our latest coverage, click here.

Considering all the pieces behind it, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to anyone that Women Talking has been a presumed awards contender. Based on the book by Miriam Toews, the film boats an all-star predominantly female cast and is written and directed by acclaimed writer/director Sarah Polley. The narratives are there and while they are likely to result in at least several award nominations, it doesn’t quite come together in enough of a satisfying way that is sure to be divisive for audiences. In what feels like a stage play, the film is pretty self-explanatory based on its title as it is essentially a performance piece boosted by some strong writing. That being said, some will undoubtedly be left wanting more. Overshadowed by a muted color palette that perhaps sets the tone for some darker subject matter, its performances from its aforementioned all-star cast, led by Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley and Rooney Mara, nonetheless still shine through.

Women Talking takes place in a tightknit devout Mennonite colony where its women are suffering from an epidemic of abuse. As a result, the women banded together and gathered in a hayloft for a discussion on what to do next, primarily do nothing, stay and fight, or leave. However, each decision had their own set of consequences for the women both in the present with their families and their futures as far as their places in heaven. All things considered, not everyone was necessarily on the same page as a battle ensued between following the rules and doing what was right simply in order to survive. Airing their respective grievances with their colony’s rules and traditions in contrast with their own realities made for some powerful moments as a hearty debate raged on. Treating its characters with empathy and dignity, it still offers plenty of hope as the women reclaim their independence as they look forward and past the patriarchal system that had held them down for so long. That introspective look as a means of progress was an important part of the film and surely meant to be a larger message that will resonate.

The best part of Women Talking is its writing and performances which went hand-in-hand in delivering a compelling watch all around. Primarily women, and Ben Whishaw, talking, the staging of the film is relatively simple with the dialog taking it to another level. While the film is an ensemble piece, multiple actresses had chances to shine with Foy, Buckley and Mara being the standouts and the most memorable parts of the film, representing different ideological positions beautifully. Meanwhile, the great chemistry as a whole reinforces the sense of community amongst these women and an impactful score further drive through the emotion.

At the end of the day, Women Talking is an ensemble piece to remember.

*still courtesy of TIFF

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Keith Noakes

The EIC of the coincidentally-named keithlovesmovies.com. A Canadian who prefers to get out of the cold and into the warmth of a movie theatre.