Review: 'She Said' Sensitively Tackles Systemic Sexism and Abuse

The #MeToo movement ignited media coverage of abuse and a reckoning of sexism in Hollywood. These traumas have been happening for centuries. Many recent films have focused on rape and sexual harassment, including Kitty Green's "The Assistant" (easily the best film dealing with the topic), "Promising Young Woman," and "Bombshell."

Reminiscent of "Spotlight," "She Said" chronicles the New York Times' investigation of film producer Harvey Weinstein. Carrie Mulligan and Zoe Kazan star as Times journalists Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, respectively, who reported on Weinstein's history of abusing women through rape, sexual assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment.

Based on the harrowing true story and the 2019 book by Kantor and Twohey, "She Said" is directed by Maria Schrader (director of last year's excellent sci-fi romance "I'm Your Man") and written by Rebecca Lenkiewicz.

After Megan's published investigation of Donald Trump's rape and sexual harassment and Fox News ousting Bill O'Reilly due to sexual harassment, editor Rebecca Corbett (Patricia Clarkson) wants to "interrogate the whole system" to find out why sexual harassment is "so pervasive."

Writing about sexism in Hollywood, Jodi speaks with actress and rape survivor Rose McGowan. She tells Jodi that the problem isn't just Weinstein, but "a whole machine" enabling abuse. Before teaming up, Megan asks about whether or not they should speak to actresses, as they already have a platform. Jodi says, "If that could happen to Hollywood actresses, who else could that happen to?"

Eventually, Jodi and Megan join forces to investigate Harvey Weinstein, talking to various women, including celebrities Rose McGowan, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ashley Judd (appearing as herself in the film) and former Miramax employees about their traumatic experiences.

The film deftly shows how the investigation and reporting on abuse takes an emotional toll on Megan and Jodi, impacting not just their professional but also their personal lives. We also witness the repercussions women face when speaking out about abuse: Megan receives a rape threat phone call, while another woman receives feces in the mail.

While "She Said" focuses on Weinstein and his "pattern of behavior," the film astutely acknowledges the larger patriarchal problem of "the system protecting abusers."

The film is bolstered by excellent nuanced lead performances by Carrie Mulligan – who seems to effortlessly and realistically vacillate between empathy, rage, and weariness – and Zoe Kazan, and supporting performances by Patricia Clarkson and Andre Braugher, both providing gravitas and quiet strength, as well as Jennifer Ehle and a quietly incendiary Samantha Morton.

The cinematography by Natasha Braier ("The Neon Demon," "Honey Boy," "XXY") at times feature wide shots of women talking in restaurants and other spaces that feel cavernous, visually enveloping the women, which underscores the gargantuan and herculean task ahead of them. It also visually reifies the scope and gravity of the women's stories of rape, harassment, and trauma.

Far too often, films explicitly show scenes of rape. But "She Said" smartly and sensitively focuses on survivors talking to the reporters. When the camera doesn't remain on the women talking, the cinematography conveys the environment instead, slowly zooming in to empty hallways or hotel rooms. As a domestic survivor, I'm often triggered by explicit scenes of abuse. The film's sensitivity stands out as a path for other films to follow.

While it's a wonderful film, I can't help but feel uneasy with Brad Pitt as a producer, considering Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie each told him about Weinstein's abuse, as well as there being allegations of Pitt's own abuse by Angelina Jolie.

Sometimes the film's writing remains a bit on the nose via dialogue, explicitly stating sentiments on sexism that seem obvious. At times, the editing feels choppy and jarring, especially in the film's early scenes. Yet it's a film aiming to honor survivors and the tragically ubiquitous experiences of women and nonbinary people while educating those who may not be aware. It can also be validating to hear and see what so many of us experience.

"She Said" is an urgent, vital film confronting misogyny and rape culture with a keen sensitivity. A recurring theme threaded throughout the film is whether or not speaking out about rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment will actually make a difference and if anything will actually change. Hopefully, it will.

"She Said" opens in theaters Friday, November 18, 2022.