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Review: Bombshell

Courtesy of Lionsgate

by Daniel Andrade

There are some films that will shake you to your core, that will make you feel both angry and sad, frustrated and anxious. Oftentimes, the movies that affect you in this way do so because they are relatable or relevant to the real world, and make you reflect on situations that you, your friends, and/or your family have gone through. Bombshell is one of those films. It’s a powerful, heartbreaking, infuriating look into one of the tragically many instances of men exploiting, assaulting, and harassing women, and the fear and uncertainty that follows in deciding whether or not to report such incidents. It’s absolutely a must-see, though it is certainly not the feel-good movie of the year.

The acting in this movie was simply phenomenal. One major reason for that was the make-up and prosthetics used in this film, which was unbelievable, particularly in regards to Charlize Theron and John Lithgow. They truly were able to meld into their prospective characters, so much so that at times it was easy to forget who the actors were underneath these elaborate masks. To say their performances were transformative is an understatement; they disappeared into their roles and made it that much easier to root for or despise them. Additionally, with Theron, she did an excellent job in speaking exactly like Megyn Kelly - from her tone to her cadence, it was easy to believe Theron really was her. Margot Robbie was excellent, and watching her youthful and passionate enthusiasm for a job at Fox News slowly deteriorate was utterly devastating to watch. Her chemistry with Kate McKinnon was electric as well, and seeing their relationship struggle through Robbie’s encounter with Roger Ailes was painful to watch. And of course, Nicole Kidman shines as Gretchen Carlson, who remains steadfast and hopeful that other women will come forward and that justice will be served, even when the situation seems hopeless. Everyone involved in the film delivers powerful roles that really add to the impact of the story.

The occasional breaking of the fourth wall and narration aimed at the audience really helps to immerse you in the film, and makes it that much easier to connect with the characters and thus be absolutely horrified, disgusted, and crushed by the abuse they suffer at the hands of truly despicable men. The film also does a great job of showing how even small, seemingly innocent acts can be so wrong when they are unwarranted and unwanted. The pacing is superb and had me tense and anxious throughout the entire film. In the theater I watched it in, you could hear many people holding their breath, shuddering in disgust, and sighing in frustration throughout the movie. It is not an easy film to watch, and I left the theater upset in more ways than one. But that is exactly why this is such an important movie to see. It does not hold back in showing you how traumatic and overwhelming abuse and/or harassment can be, as well as the fallout that comes with it. Some people have questioned in the past why women don’t come out and report these incidents or talk about them sooner; this movie answers those questions, showing all the variables these women have to consider in terms of how it will affect their careers, their personal lives, and their mental health. It also shows how some who have been harassed or molested are willing to overlook all these variables and side with the abusers and try to protect them, even at the expense of their fellow co-workers and fellow women.

What’s also fascinating about the movie is that it makes you forget that the main characters involved work at Fox News, a channel notorious for spreading misleading information and fear-mongering opinions, including segments that have not always had women’s best interests at heart. While the film doesn’t necessarily shy away from that, including clips like Kelly’s famous Santa debate and her forgiving interview with Trump (which was especially upsetting after she tackled Trump head-on at the debates about his misogynistic comments throughout his life), it largely ignores that to focus on the topic of harassment. While as mentioned above I think this movie covers that exceptionally well, it’s understandable why some minorities or members of the LGBTQ community, and in particular women of color, might find it difficult to connect with this movie, when institutions like Fox News have demonized them and when their struggle in dealing with abuse is plagued with more complicated obstacles than there are for white women, in particular, rich white women. In the end, however, I think this movie ultimately succeeds in delivering an affecting and gripping story that is emotionally moving, in more ways than one.

CONCLUSION: Bombshell is a movie that will hit you hard and will stick with you long after the credits roll. With powerful performances by an excellent cast, and stunning make-up and prosthetic work, this movie is an important look at the horrible and disgusting world of abuse and harassment in the workplace, and the significance of speaking up and taking a stand, even though it could cost you everything. 

FINAL SCORE: 4/5

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