The Woman King
2022
***
Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood
Cast: Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, Sheila Atim, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, John Boyega, Jordan Bolger, Jimmy Odukoya, Masali Baduza
The young and rebellious Nawi turns down an arranged marriage and is forced to join the Agojie, a female only army unit led by General Nanisca. Gina Prince-Bythewood's long but compelling historical action drama is set in the kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) in 1823. The setting is intriguing and based on fact, but the story around it (by Maria Bello and Dana Stevens) is formulaic fiction. The film rewrites Dahomey's history with slave trade and Nawi's journey from a reckless youth to a fearless warrior offers very few surprises. However, the action scenes are gripping and Viola Davis gives another commanding lead performance.
