This is a tale of grief, love, greed and power. Director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave) once again explores the dark side of human nature. This time in present day Chicago that is anything but a Toddlin’ Town. There are many issues packed into this crime thriller but the power of women to take matters into their own hands stands out. Four women, played by Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo, are so very different, but end up working together, taking the biggest risk of their lives to survive.
McQueen sets the tone in the very first scenes. The love supplied by Liam Neeson and Viola Davis is sensual and sexual. You may feel like a voyeur. Neeson portrays Harry Rawlins, the gang leader of a four man band of thieves. By the looks of the apartment he shares with his wife Veronica, (Davis) business must be good. There’s an immediate jarring juxtaposition from their intimate moments under silky white sheets to blistering gunfire, mega explosions and death for Rawlins’ and his gang in a startling, bloody police shootout where they’re obliterated.
Viola Davis was drawn to the part because of the meaty role so different than those she’s played before. She told us at the Chicago International Film Festival, “I was struck by the fact that she had a husband, that she loved, the fact that she was motivated by love, and grief and I have to say that I simply just don’t get those roles, I just don’t, even after the Oscar,” Davis’ performance is gut wrenching. Her controlled rage and range of emotion even impressed Director McQueen. He has likened her skill as an actor to that of Marlon Brando.
McQueen, who hand-picked Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) to co-write the script, empowers the women in this film to be as bad as they want to be. He was inspired by Lynda La Plante’s 80’s British TV show he saw growing up that he never forgot. Chicago replaces London for the location. After the loss of Harry, Veronica is visited by the looming, soft talking, menacing hulk, Jamal (Brian Tyree Henry, White Boy Rick). Jamal is an old school thug. Harry, the late great mastermind thief, owes him $2 million bucks from the botched robbery and Jamal puts the squeeze on Veronica to come up with the cash, or else.
Jamal is more than just a street hood. He’s also running for Alderman of the 18th Ward. It’s a predominantly minority part of Chicago that’s still ruled by the powerful old Irish political machine run by the equally corrupt Mulligan clan. Led by the old racist Tom (Robert Duvall) and the reluctant heir apparent, Jack (Colin Farrell) who does a good job with an American accent, they call the shots. The father and son are a lethal combination, fighting against time, and each other. Duvall’s hate speech is off the charts. He’s a counterpart to Jamal. Each is looking to make their own deal.
But the focus is still on the ladies. Veronica carefully recruits who and what she’ll need to pull off the plan Harry left behind hoping to get them the money to take Jamal and his henchmen off their backs. McQueen puts it all in perspective with the scene at the Harry’s funeral where all the players are in place. Daniel Kaluuya plays Jamal’s brother Jatemme who stands out as the most openly evil character in this script. Much different than his turn in Get Out! His taunting wave at Harry’s funeral is foreboding.
Jatemme also epitomizes how dehumanizing life on the streets helps create the poorest neighborhoods of America’s big cities. He wields power over people to get what he wants. Circling a hapless victim with his face inches away, it’s impossible to look away. You will feel the terror that young kid feels.
There’s Linda, played by Michelle Rodriguez. Her man was killed in the botched robbery, her dress business is destroyed and the only way to protect her children is to get the money. Rodriguez is strong and determined. They all are.
Cynthia Erivo plays Belle, the babysitter taking care of Linda’s kids while she gets ready for the heist. No ties to the reason for the mission, Veronica recruits her as their driver in exchange for a piece of the action. Erivo told us McQueen chose her without an audition. It’s the first film role for the Broadway (The Color Purple) and TV actress. She proved she can handle being one tough cookie. McQueen has her literally running her butt off as Belle.
McQueen makes Elizabeth Debicki as Alice the sleeper of the girls. She seems so sweet. Her late husband beat her up, apparently on a regular basis. And her mother is a piece of work. She pimps out her own daughter. Her character gets stronger and stronger as Veronica gives her more nitty gritty tasks to do.
This film follows each woman as they mold themselves into a gang as lethal as their husbands. The suspense builds as you wonder if they’ll really be able to pull this off. McQueen adds unexpected revelations that provide some gasp worthy turns. He uses many devices to keep you interested. But does he throw so much against the wall that it loses some of its power?
The film includes race, politics, crime, gangs, poverty, drugs, marriage, religion, prostitution and family relationships in one powerful piece with a big cast given the ability to show off their wares. Seeing these actresses work together turns the heist caper genre on its head and provides one more reason why this year is the year of the woman.
Twentieth Century Fox 129 minutes R
