All The President’s Men, Spotlight, The Post. All of these are films I hold in high regard about real stories where journalism makes a difference in matters that concern us. She Said comes pretty damn close in its telling of the story of how two journalists of the New York Times helped bring to light the very real problem of sexual assault and harassment that has taken place in Hollywood. That is not to say that I don’t hold this movie at the same level as others that have preceded it. I most defiinitely feel that movie celebrates the hard work and honors the emotions that come with dealing with this particular scandal. She Said certainly depicts the challenges faced by journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, in bringing their subject to the masses. The film, however, seems to have a problem in presenting its subject matter in a thoroughly engrossing way.
Based on the 2019 book, of the same name, by Kantor and Twohey, and their landmark piece which broke the story, She Said reveals how two New York Times journalists worked feverishly to expose the systematic issue that movie producer Harvey Weinstein was a sexual predator who attacked or harassed multiple employees of his company, and female actors of movies his company produced and/or released. The film follows the very personal lives of both Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan) and Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan), along with their own personal challenges, and how they managed to break this story to the public.
With an adapted screenplay by Rebecca Lenkiewicz, director Maria Shrader makes a big splash with a powerful and emotional movie that honors the work and tenacity of two determined journalists who fought hard to get the stories of these women told. The movie delivers the expected shocks and heartbreaking moments that should come from this appalling situation, but also falls into some of the familiar trappings and tropes that often come from stories of this type.
That said; I still found myself moved and affected by the story and its characters because how can anyone who has a conscience not? The movie also benefits greatly from the exceptional performances by a wonderful cast. Besides Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan, who are both excellent in their roles, the movie features fantastic performances by Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, Jennifer Ehle, Angela Yeoh, and others who flesh out the characters in such pragmatic and sometimes exciting ways.
She Said isn’t exactly a movie that demands to be experienced theatrically, but it is definitely one that should be held in high regard. If anything, one should spend top dollar at the theater for simply that satisfaction of supporting the women victimized by Harvey Weinstein and reassuring them that we have their backs.