Based on a novel by the same name which was inspired by true events from 2010, Women Talking follows the story of a group of women of a community who struggle to reconcile with faith after a string of s*xual encounters by the men of the colony. The story is hard-hitting and powerful and it does make a very strong case about the atrocities faced by women even as I type this review. The screenplay standing at about a 100 odd minutes does not waste any time, rather it does stick to the discussion at hand!

The drama is designed to be conversational in nature which would remind you on the English classic 12 Angry Men. Only thing being that the topic of discussion is something entirely different. Following a heinous crime, the women of the colony regroup to vote on what must their future be. You are introduced to a the main protagonists, each with a different character trait and belief that does make a cause for an interesting discussion. As they say, when women speak, you must listen!

The proceedings are interesting and engrossing with a turmoil of emotions which would grapple you at any given point of time. The infusion of religion and faith was an interesting introduction to the ongoing argument. It is often said that one must stand up for its cause but it is never easy, never quite! And the degree of the crime in the minds of the victim also does play a major part. The arguments would often make you ponder while giving you a glimpse into the psyche of most women. There are so many factors that would come into play including the security of their own children which would unwillingly make a woman give her man another chance. And that was so well highlighted.

I also did like on how the drama was so self aware as to not paint all men with the same coat. To give the band of women company, and to take the minutes of the meeting(primarily because the women wern’t educated, another subtle reference to them being suppressed), you did have the character of August siding with them who happened to love the character of Ona despite knowing that they do not have a future together. Another addition to the drama was a transgender character who after being exposed to a heinous crime, just wouldn’t speak! That did make for a rousing drama wherein all the characters were victims in some way or the other irrespective of gender.

The moments towards the dying minutes of the drama make for a resounding watch. As they say, it is imperative for young parents to teach their son from a very young age to respect women. Children are at an age where they can understand as opposed to full grown men who are rigid and often submerged in the sea of patriarchy given their environment where they are brought up. And so here particularly, the children were used as a metaphor for hope while being taken away by women in a fittingly moving sequence. The decision was clear – to leave the colony with children below the age of 15 which in itself was a statement. The unfulfilled wishes and revenge was again a metaphor which was cleverly used here with the decision to leave being regarded as a symbol of hope more than retaliation. Overall, the screenplay was beautifully penned and it did leave me with moments to ponder long after the film had ended!