The Woman King (2022) Review

Historical epic that is inspired by true events that took place in Dahomey one of the most powerful states of Africa in the 18th and 19th centuries, following the Agojie and all female unit of warriors who protected the kingdom.

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General Nanisca is the leader of the all female group of warriors and they must liberate the women who were abducted by slavers from the Oyo Empire. This means that King Ghezo is preparing for an all out war and needs Nanisca to begin training a new generation of warriors to join the Agojie to protect the kingdom. Within the group of new warriors we are introduced to Nawi, who is very strong willed and was offered by her father to the King after she refused to marry men who would beat and abuse her.

Nawi’s story is not straightforward though as she reveals that she was actually adopted and has a mark on her shoulder, which would be significant in a different way. She befriends Izogie who is a veteran within the group and offers much needed support to the young woman.

The action scenes were impressive throughout the film and quite frankly it was refreshing to see an all female army fighting and in particular standing up to ensure men stopped selling them as slaves for abuse! Especially considering they became warriors because they were not interested in marrying men and having children, that was actually something that had to be agreed to when joining.

Viola Davis is utterly breathtaking in this film and that is not something we are surprised about by this point and surely it will easy be another Oscar nomination for her next year! She was just perfect casting and owns every single scene that she is in. Making up the impressive cast with very good supporting performances from Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim who were both extremely engaging and given some impressive scenes. However the best performance has to come from Thuso Mbedu in such an impressive what must be considered a full break out given that she has not appeared in many films or tv shows before this one.