The Woman King (2022)
Starring: Viola Davis | Thuso Mbedu | Lashana Lynch | Sheila Atim | John Boyega

The Woman King (already released, revisited here in a re-release context) stands as a triumph of ferocious action and profound historical depth. Viola Davis commands every frame as General Nanisca, in a film that seamlessly blends epic warfare, cultural pride, and searing emotional truth. Under the assured direction of Gina Prince-Bythewood, this saga celebrates the legendary Dahomey Amazons with both unflinching power and undeniable heart.

Set in 1823, the story follows Nanisca (Davis) as she leads the Agojie warriors against slavers and rival tribes. While training a spirited young recruit (Mbedu) and confronting a formidable warlord (Boyega), she guides her sisters-in-arms across perilous jungle battlefields and into towering fortified palaces. The presence of Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim adds steel and soul, embodying the strength of a warrior bond. Themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of freedom blaze across a vividly realized African landscape.

Davis’ portrayal of Nanisca is electrifying—her combat sequences strike with visceral intensity, while her leadership radiates inspiration. Mbedu’s tender yet determined recruit, Lynch’s fierce warrior, and Boyega’s morally complex antagonist create a dynamic ensemble that pulses with energy. Prince-Bythewood directs with cinematic precision, staging spear battles that thrum with raw power. The lush cinematography captures the grandeur of the jungle in every frame, while Terence Blanchard’s stirring score heightens the emotional impact. The pacing is razor-sharp, balancing spectacle with intimacy, building to a breathtaking climax: a fiery sunset battle that is both devastating and triumphant.
The Woman King is more than a film—it’s a monumental epic, unforgettable in scope and resonance. Fierce, inspiring, and deeply human, it secures its place as one of the most essential historical dramas of modern cinema.