In Chicago, Veronica (Viola Davis) becomes a widow when her husband Harry Rawlings (Liam Neeson) is killed while stealing $2M from ruthless criminals Jamal Manning (Brian Tyree Henry) and Jatemme Manning (Daniel Kaluuya). The Manning brothers want their money back from Veronica. Jatemme is running for office against equally corrupt politician Jack Mulligan (Colin Farrell) who is following in his father Tom Mulligan (Robert Duvall)'s footstep. Harry has left behind a notebook with his next target and Veronica decides to hit it with the other widows from Harry's job, Linda (Michelle Rodriguez) and Alice (Elizabeth Debicki). In need of a driver, Linda recruits her friend Belle (Cynthia Erivo).
I really don't like the start. The first act is essentially introducing the Mannings and Mulligan with their political rivalry. It'd be fine if the movie is about them but it should be about the women. One of the themes of the story is that the women are dismissed as secondary people and the movie starts off by treating them as secondary characters. It is a bad start. Once they get going with the ladies, the movie gets better. I really like their stories. There is a big twist reveal but it comes way too early. The Mannings and Mulligan rivalry may be important but really unnecessary for the women. This would be a much more compelling story if it gets streamlined and concentrated on the ladies. Director Steve McQueen has great skills but sometimes simplicity is better. This is about the women and not about the men.
I really don't like the start. The first act is essentially introducing the Mannings and Mulligan with their political rivalry. It'd be fine if the movie is about them but it should be about the women. One of the themes of the story is that the women are dismissed as secondary people and the movie starts off by treating them as secondary characters. It is a bad start. Once they get going with the ladies, the movie gets better. I really like their stories. There is a big twist reveal but it comes way too early. The Mannings and Mulligan rivalry may be important but really unnecessary for the women. This would be a much more compelling story if it gets streamlined and concentrated on the ladies. Director Steve McQueen has great skills but sometimes simplicity is better. This is about the women and not about the men.