Nanisca (Viola Davis) leads one of the strongest sets of warriors in 19th century Africa, the Agojie, defending the kingdom of Dahomey against the rising threat of slave traders.

The Woman King, Cert - 15, Run-time - 2 hours 15 minutes, Director - Gina Prince-Bythewood

There’s a true rush from the first attack of the Agojie warriors of the kingdom of Dahomey. There’s little hesitation as they jump and run towards their enemies. Each targets their opponent with precision, yet you can clearly see the effort put into the fight. With so many figures battling at the same time the camera’s (alongside the editing) able to consistently keep track of certain characters as we at least get to know what they’re like in battle.

They’re led by Viola Davis’ Nanisca, a tough leader looking to continue the legacy of the strongest group of warriors in 19th century Africa. Something which especially needs to remain the case as the kingdom faces a greater threat from slave traders than ever before. Enter a new group of hopeful Agojie warriors who are put through their paces through a lengthy training process.

Primarily we follow Thuso Mbedu’s Nawi, a young woman trying to escape being married off to an older, wealthy man and trying her best to be just like the women she admires. While under the stern watch of Nanisca, and her right-hand woman Amenza (Sheila Atim) she finds some kinship with those around her, including Lashana Lynch’s Izogie (in a film filled with great performances Lynch particularly shines as she appears to be having a great time).

With so many characters making up the various strands there’s plenty of detail poured into them from both the cast and screenplay. We’re provided much of this detail through the narrative, particularly the build-up to the slave traders. There are personal stories being told for some of them, gradually developing over time as tensions rise outside the walls of Dahomey. Much of this works hand-in-hand with the world building as the film is visually crammed with detail to enhance your engagement and bring a further layer of authenticity.

Much like the effort in the battle sequences you can see that which has been put into the detail of both the world and characters. It extensively pays off as you’re wrapped into the proceedings with everything that’s displayed feeling natural and therefore fitting in with more ease. The only thing that begins to cause a sense of busyness to the proceedings is the occasional perspective of slave traders Santo Ferreira (Hero Fiennes Tiffin) and half-Dahomean Malik (Jordan Bolger) - who begins to form a relationship with Nawi.

Things may begin to feel slightly long in the final stages as a chaptered way of closing begins, however it’s made up for by the exciting action which is delivered in a fiery climactic set of events. All excellently directed, as indeed the entire film is, by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Crammed with natural detail in almost every element, The Woman King is an intensely engaging action feature lifted by its dramatic elements and performances. Jamie Skinner -Four stars