Based on actual events, She Said follows two reporters, Megan (Carey Mulligan) and Jodi (Zoe Kazan), who work for the New York Times. After receiving a lead, Jodi begins investigating scandals and sexual assaults within Hollywood. Jodi soon finds something far more significant than she ever expected. At the same time, Megan is returning from parental leave.  After meeting with management, Megan is given the option to work on a couple of leads at the New York Times, one of them being the investigation Jodi recently started on.

After Megan speaks with Jodi, she expresses her curiosity and interest in working together to uncover more details. Little did these two know that this small enquiry would lead to a story that would change history and Hollywood, especially regarding abuse, sexual assault, and implementing new policies in the workplace. Eventually, the story and strenuous efforts of the New York Times staff would launch the well-known #MeToo movement and bring justice to the many people affected.

She Said is best described as a drama, especially given that the premise is based on a true story. While the ending of this film may seem quite familiar or not surprising to many audiences, I was passionate about witnessing on-screen how the story came to light and how the truth was revealed. It didn’t take long for me to get invested in this film, and eager to know how everything went down.

The leads of this film are likeable and enjoyable thanks to performances from Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan. They display a substantial amount of emotion and drama throughout. The characters aren’t just reporters; these women are mothers and have families. They are passionate about seeking truth and fighting for those who cannot speak or are too afraid to do anything regarding justice and change. While the leading performances are remarkable, side performances are questionable. Some were notable standouts and memorable despite other side performances that felt weaker.

Visually, if you’re seeking a stunning-looking film, that’s not what She Said will give you. The plot is the biggest strength here, not the stunning scenery. Some plot moments may seem slightly bland or perhaps even a little repetitive and tedious as we witness our leads asking the same questions repeatedly with various side characters. Still, in the end, the audience will see the journey, the time, the effort, and the strength needed by the lead investigators to unfold the truth.

Overall, this is a highly effective drama film based on actual events. I found myself incredibly invested in this story and watching the truth unfold. Due to Carey Mulligan’s and Zoe Kazan’s strong performances, I found myself supporting and admiring the lead characters. These actresses worked well on-screen, creating moments of drama and tension. Side performances for the majority are also quite good, but some were questionable and felt unfitting.  The most vital aspect is the story and witnessing each step taken forward. The visuals suit the sombre mood and are neither bright nor pretty. Whilst some moments of the story may seem repetitive or drawn out, this is what happened in the end, and I was highly invested in the journey. I adored the fascinating yet dramatic and touching story.

8.1/10

13th November 2022

Written by Peter Walkden

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