She Said

Cert - 15, Run-time - 2 hour 8 minutes

Director - Maria Schrader

The story of the New York Times investigation which launched the #MeToo campaign, uncovering decades of sexual abuse from Harvey Weinstein.

For a film following an investigation, into historical cases of sexual abuse and misconduct, She Said rarely uses flashbacks. Instead, we sit with those scarred and affected as they retell their traumas to New York Times journalists Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan). While holding interest in these interview sequences through dialogue and performances there are lingering static shots in the settings in which the discussed events took place.

Objects and clothing are sometimes strewn across the floor, the shots could be seen as a crime scene - they are a crime scene. Occasionally a sound drifts in such as a shower running, or the subtle notes of Nicholas Britell’s excellent score. As the camera stays still it enhances the feeling of being stuck in the moment. Unable to leave as the dialogue adds to the discomfort.

There’s reluctance from some to speak about their experiences, while others don’t want to go on the record knowing what the man their accusing is capable of. Hollywood titan Harvey Weinstein. The Times is investigating decades of abuse from Weinstein as they research and write for the article which spawned the #MeToo campaign.

Throughout Weinstein’s effect on his victims lingers as the journalists face increasing threats from him and his team. We never see his face, we rarely hear his voice (Mike Houston), but as it crackles over speakerphone you can’t help but feel fear and tension in these moments.

While we know where the piece ends up, and the article’s effect, the film focuses what was went through to write it. Not just for the journalists, but for those who suffered for it to have to be uncovered in the first place. Allowing the words of Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s screenplay (adapted from Kantor, Twohey and Rebecca Corbett’s book of the same name) to speak for themselves. Effectively delivered by a strong cast things flow well and keep you engaged throughout.

You’re caught in the determination of the team putting the article together. There’s a strong source of interest throughout the conversations, discussions, reveals and more that line the narrative’s course, all building up to the brilliant ending point - one which leaves you sat back in silence; although different to those of stunned shock and fear throughout the film.

She Said deals with a lot and handles it all well thanks to the way that it keeps its key points at the centra and consistently moves with them. Knowing what needs to be said and done to get to the excellent final shot within a film where part of the power comes though acknowledgement, and pointing out, that there is a lot that still needs to be done; and can be done, to stop and tackle sexual abuse. Subtly going well beyond its point of communal strength and tagline question “will you go on the record?” to create a strong, emotionally engaging piece of work with a fine flow and confidence.

Jamie Skinner -Four stars