Widows

To describe this simply as a heist movie is to ignore the thoughtful script, complex characters, stylish cinematography and consummate performances.

Steve McQueen directed and co-wrote this suspense thriller about four women left widowed after their husbands are killed in a heist gone wrong. Veronica (Viola Davis), whose husband (Liam Neeson) had led the gang, is confronted by crooks who are owed money – big money – and intend to collect. Veronica seeks out the other three women, knowing the crooks will be coming after them too, and convinces them to carry out a heist that had already been planned and detailed in a notebook left by her husband. Adjacent to this story is that of a father and ex-alderman, Tom Mulligan (Robert Duvall) and his strained relationship with his rebellious, corrupt son, Jack (Colin Farrell) who is currently seeking election. Duvall is superb and the scenes between the father and son are some of the best in the film. 

It’s long and arty, with lots of backstory told in flashback. The pace doesn’t really ramp up until the final quarter, but the slow burn towards the climax is tense, controlled and engrossing.

★★★ ½

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich