Film Review: “She Said”

There are films made which serve an entertainment purpose only. You get a few laughs, some thrills, or maybe a couple tears. Occasionally, a film is made that reaches a level of importance that causes it to be something every person should see. “She Said,” currently available on streaming but was released last November in theaters, is one such film. Detailing how two “New York Times” reporters were able to bring down one of the biggest figures in the film industry and sparking a revolution, “She Said” is absolute classic that belongs in the same breath as “All the President’s Men” and “The Post.” The fact it was snubbed at the Oscars in favor of a silly film about time travel, is a complete travesty of epic proportions and shows just how ridiculous the once king of award shows has become a joke. And a bad one at that.

This biographical drama takes back to 2017 when “New York Times” reporter Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan, “The Big Sick”) is tipped off that actress Rose McGowan is about to make some serious allegations about sexual misconduct and assault involving Miramax chief, Harvey Weinstein. Kantor also learns of similar sickening incidents involving actresses Ashley Judd and Gwyneth Paltrow. However, no one wants to speak on the record out of fear for their careers. To help get others to talk on the record, Kantor recruits fellow “New York Times” reporter Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan, “Promising Young Woman”).

While juggling the demands of being mothers and aided by the unquestioning support of their husbands, Kantor and Twohey set about on an arduous task that requires patience, diligence, and tenacity from both as they struggle to get women from Weinstein’s past to speak on the record. However, little by little they inch closer to their ultimate story that causes 82 brave women to come forward with horrific allegations against a monster who landed a 23-year prison sentence because of their voices.

Not only should have “She Said” been nominated for best picture, among many others, but it should have also given nods to Kazan and Mulligan who are nothing short of spectacular with their inspiring performances. Hats off to them and director Maria Schrader for infusing their characters with genuine realism. While they pour everything into the challenge of getting their story right, both are humanized by showing the effects the stress of the task at hand has on them personally and with their families. Kudos also to Ashley Judd for playing herself and re-living on the screen the pain she went through at the hands of Weinstein.

Overall, “She Said” is a borderline cinematic masterpiece and is a work that every single person, minus small children, should see to help appreciate the beginnings of the Me-Too movement.