Inspired by events that took place in a powerful African state in the 19th century, The Woman King is the story of a battalion of female warriors. Known as the Agojie, their job was to protect the Kingdom of Dahomey, and its ruler King Ghezo (John Boyega).
The narrative focuses primarily on two figures – cherubic 19-year-old recruit Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) and ferocious, unyielding General Nanisca (Viola Davis). The General is weary, but resolute. Her back story is horrific. Mind you, Nawi has hardly had it easy either. She, too, is determined; but her perceived arrogance could be her undoing.
The film tells of the Agojie’s dedication to the king and how others, including Europeans, try to take advantage of him. The kingdom trades in slaves, which King Ghezo – at General Nanisca’s urging – is trying to change. The General’s fiercest adversary – with whom she has history – is Oba Ade (Jimmy Odukoya). He’s basically her counterpart in the neighbouring (and rival) kingdom of Oyo, and is deeply enmeshed in the slave trade. By tradition, The Agojie are required to be committed to the cause, without a romantic life and without children. In spite of that, Nawi’s head is turned by visiting Brazilian merchant Santo Ferriera (Hero Fiennes Tiffin).
The story is by Maria Bello and Dana Stevens, with direction from Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard). Heavily choreographed fight scenes dominate in The Woman King. The film is basically about standing up to exploitation and cruelty. As such, it shares some DNA with the likes of Braveheart and Gladiator. So if you enjoyed those, you’ll probably get a kick out of this.
Viola Davis is a serious force as the fiery leader who carries a heavy burden. Her role entails showing her strength and gradually peeling back the layers that have made her character who she is. Thuso Mbedu (The Underground Railroad) impresses as Nawi, the teenager trying to make her mark. Like Davis’, she adroitly handles the light and shade in the character. Mbedu straddles the indignant, the impetuous, the spirited, the emotional and the resolute. Around the General and Nawi are loyal supporters, played effectively by Sheila Atim (Dr Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and Lashana Lynch (Captain Marvel). Jimmy Odukoya is menacing as Oba Ade, the major thorn in the Agojie’s side.
Polly Morgan’s (Where the Crawdads Sing) cinematography is evocative, while the score by Terence Blanchard (BlacKkKlansman) serves to heighten the tension.
A tightened script wouldn’t have gone astray, but The Woman King packs more than a little punch.
Alex First
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Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.