The Woman King is one of 2022’s best films. Led by a stellar cast of mostly black women, great action sequences, and a good story, The Woman King delivers on all fronts.

The film is loosely inspired by true historical events that occurred in the Kingdom of Dahomey during the 18th and 19th centuries. The plot revolves around Nanisca, an incredible warrior and leader of the Agojie, an army of women sworn to protect their king and their people from outside threats. 

In a very rare scenario, Viola Davis, who plays Nanisca, is not the best actress in this film. Don’t get me wrong, Davis is very good, but her co-stars are outstanding. Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and Sheila Atim are all scene-stealers and the true heart and soul of this movie from start to finish. I fully expect at least one of these ladies, especially Lynch, to nab a Best Supporting Actress nomination. Absolutely incredible work by the entire cast.

The production is also stellar. The sets are perfectly crafted, and the costumes are original and beautiful to behold. My personal favourites were the costumes designed for John Boyega and Viola Davis’ characters. They matched their personalities really well.

The action sequences in this film rule. Stunt choreographer Danny Hernandez brought his A-game and delivered one of the most enjoyable action films in recent memory. The sequences are riveting, powerful, gory, and well paced and the combat is on par with the John Wick and 007 films. I seriously cannot praise these scenes enough.

The only downside for me in this movie was the script. It’s not bad, but it could have been better. There were some scenes that were a bit on the long side and could have been trimmed down with the same effect. Overall though, this is a minor complaint

The Woman King is a triumph. It’s a kick-ass movie led by an all-star female cast and without a doubt, one of the best action films in recent years.