She Said

By: Jamie Steinberg

She Said is a VERY timely film that follows New York Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor as they investigate allegations made by sexual abuse victims against iconic Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. While the film is slow paced to simulate the process of investigation, the movie captivates and truly enlightens viewers to the shocking story behind the #MeToo movements beginnings.

Reporters Twohey (played by Carey Mulligan) and Kantor (played by Zoe Kazan) went public on October 5, 2017with a story about Weinstein’s bad behavior was covered up by hush money from his studio. The movie does an exceptional job of balancing the investigative work with the personal lives of these talented journalists. It’s intriguing to see them so consumed with bringing this important revelation to light and how significant it was to their work that their husbands and editors lent their support.

Kazan and Mulligan do exceptional jobs in the film with special shoutouts to Patricia Clarkson and Andre Braugher who portray their editors. Additionally, a bravo is due to Jennifer Ehle and Angela Yeoh for starring as the women who were prayed on by Weinstein. Director Maria Schrader shines in highlighting the persistence and frustration of investigative reporting. Standout scenes are the ones with Weinstein and his lawyers.  They are tough to watch as it infuriates to see how long this predator was able to get away with his bad behavior.

The title of the film clearly refers to the victims of Weinstein and their allegations against this powerful Hollywood mogul. It’s a fascinating look at how women get devastated and pushed into silence through intimidation and compensation. She Said is a tough and needed look into movie making and I hope it sparks more victims feel comfortable to come forward with their plight.