Missy Lonergan

Written by Missy Lonergan

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

41-facts-about-the-movie-widows
Source: Rottentomatoes.com

Widows is a critically acclaimed movie that took the film industry by storm when it was released. Directed by Steve McQueen, this gripping thriller follows a group of widows who come together to carry out a heist in order to repay their late husbands’ debts. Set in the backdrop of Chicago’s criminal underworld, Widows provides viewers with an exhilarating and suspenseful experience.

With stellar performances from an ensemble cast including Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo, the movie delivers not only on thrilling action sequences but also on compelling character development.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of Widows and uncover 41 fascinating facts about the movie. From behind-the-scenes tidbits to interesting trivia about the cast and crew, this article will explore everything you need to know about this gripping crime drama.

Key Takeaways:

  • “Widows” is a thrilling crime film set in contemporary Chicago, featuring a diverse and talented ensemble cast. It explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and the impact of crime on society.
  • Director Steve McQueen’s “Widows” delivers intense action, complex characters, and thought-provoking social commentary. It challenges gender roles and celebrates the strength of collaboration and self-discovery.
Table of Contents

Widows is a 2018 crime thriller film

Widows is an intense crime thriller film released in Directed by Steve McQueen and written by McQueen and Gillian Flynn, it is based on the 1983 ITV series of the same name.

The film features an ensemble cast

Widows boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Brian Tyree Henry, Daniel Kaluuya, Jacki Weaver, Robert Duvall, and Liam Neeson.

Viola Davis delivers an outstanding performance

Viola Davis takes on the lead role in Widows, portraying Veronica Rawlins. Her powerful and emotionally charged performance captivates audiences throughout the film.

The story revolves around a group of widows

The plot of Widows centers around four women who must come together and take matters into their own hands after their criminal husbands are killed in a failed robbery attempt.

Widows combines elements of thriller and heist genres

The film masterfully blends elements of a gripping thriller and an intense heist film, creating a unique and engaging cinematic experience.

The screenplay explores themes of resilience and empowerment

Widows delves into themes of resilience, strength, and female empowerment. It focuses on the journey of the widows as they navigate a dangerous world and reclaim their power.

The movie is set in contemporary Chicago

Widows is set against the backdrop of modern-day Chicago, showcasing the city’s vibrant and diverse atmosphere while also highlighting its darker underbelly.

Widows received critical acclaim

The film garnered widespread critical acclaim for its gripping narrative, stellar performances, and impeccable direction. It currently holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The movie explores social and political issues

Widows tackles various social and political issues, including corruption, class divide, and the ramifications of criminal activities in society.

The film was a box office success

Widows performed well at the box office, grossing over $74 million worldwide against its $42 million budget.

The movie features intense and suspenseful moments

Widows keeps audiences on the edge of their seats with its thrilling and suspenseful sequences, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

It highlights complex female characters

Widows shatters stereotypes by showcasing complex and multifaceted female characters who are resilient, resourceful, and determined.

The film boasts a stellar soundtrack

Widows is accompanied by a powerful and atmospheric soundtrack that enhances the tension and emotions of the story.

Widows received multiple award nominations

The film was recognized with several award nominations, including the BAFTAs, Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

It explores the dynamics of power

Widows delves deep into the dynamics of power, showcasing how power can be gained, lost, and ultimately reclaimed.

The movie addresses themes of trust and betrayal

Widows examines the delicate balance of trust and the devastating consequences of betrayal, adding another layer of complexity to its narrative.

Widows features strong supporting performances

While Viola Davis shines in the lead role, the film also showcases outstanding performances by the supporting cast, adding depth and richness to the story.

It offers unexpected twists and turns

Widows keeps audiences guessing with its unpredictable plot twists and turns, ensuring that suspense remains high throughout the film.

The movie delves into the world of organized crime

Widows takes viewers into the gritty and dangerous realm of organized crime, providing a captivating glimpse into this secretive world.

It highlights the resilience of the human spirit

At its core, Widows is a film about the strength and resilience of the human spirit, showcasing the determination to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

The movie features dynamic and well-developed characters

The characters in Widows are not merely archetypes but three-dimensional individuals with their own goals, motivations, and struggles.

Widows captivates with its stylish cinematography

The film’s cinematography is visually stunning, capturing the essence of the characters and the cityscape with its stylish and immersive shots.

It showcases strong female friendships

Widows portrays the importance and strength of female friendships, as the widows support and rely on each other throughout their journey.

The movie offers thought-provoking social commentary

Widows goes beyond being a mere thriller by providing thought-provoking social commentary on issues such as gender inequality and racial tension.

Widows explores the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones

The film delves into the theme of familial bonds and the extreme measures individuals are willing to take to protect their loved ones.

The movie balances intense action with emotional depth

Widows strikes a perfect balance between adrenaline-pumping action sequences and poignant moments of emotional depth, creating a truly memorable cinematic experience.

Widows highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity

The widows in the film embody resilience and demonstrate the power of perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The movie features a strong and diverse ensemble cast

Widows boasts a cast that reflects the diversity of society, allowing for a more inclusive and representative narrative.

Widows is a powerful exploration of grief and redemption

The film delves into the complex emotions of grief and the journey towards redemption for the widows, offering a compelling and emotional storyline.

The movie keeps audiences guessing until the very end

Widows is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to decipher the true motivations and outcomes of the characters.

Widows is a compelling portrayal of female resilience in a male-dominated world

The film explores the challenges and triumphs of women navigating a male-dominated world, showcasing their strength and determination to defy societal expectations.

The movie boasts powerful and nuanced performances

The cast of Widows delivers performances that are both powerful and nuanced, adding depth and authenticity to the characters they portray.

Widows is a testament to the power of collaboration

The widows in the film demonstrate the power of collaboration and teamwork as they come together to achieve their shared goals.

The movie challenges conventional gender roles

Widows challenges traditional gender roles by portraying women who defy expectations and take control of their own destinies.

Widows offers a fresh take on the heist genre

With its unique blend of thrilling heist elements and thought-provoking storytelling, Widows breathes new life into the genre.

The movie explores the ripple effects of crime

Widows examines how the consequences of criminal activities can impact not only those directly involved but also the wider community.

Widows is a visually and emotionally gripping film

The film captivates with its visually stunning cinematography and emotionally charged performances, making it a must-see for movie enthusiasts.

The movie highlights the strength and resilience of marginalized communities

Widows sheds light on the strength and resilience of marginalized communities, showcasing their ability to rise above adversity and take charge of their own narratives.

Widows subverts genre expectations

The film cleverly subverts genre expectations, offering surprising twists and a fresh perspective on the crime thriller genre.

The movie is a testament to the power of reinvention and self-discovery

Widows explores the transformative power of reinvention and self-discovery as the widows navigate unfamiliar territories and carve out new paths for themselves.

Widows leaves a lasting impact

Widows is an unforgettable film that leaves a lasting impact with its compelling narrative, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes.

The Detailed Description of the movie Widows

Widows is a gripping crime thriller that takes audiences on a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of contemporary Chicago. The film follows Veronica Rawlins, played by the incomparable Viola Davis, whose life is turned upside down when her husband, a career criminal, is killed along with his crew during a failed heist.

Left with nothing but debt and the threat of retaliation from a dangerous crime lord, Veronica discovers a notebook left behind by her husband, detailing future heists he had planned. Determined to protect herself and the means to clear her debt, Veronica recruits three other widows whose husbands were also part of the failed robbery and forms an unlikely alliance.

As the widows delve deeper into the criminal world that their husbands were involved in, they face numerous obstacles and dangers. They must navigate corrupt politicians, rival criminal gangs, and their own personal demons. The stakes are high, and the widows must rely on their intelligence, resourcefulness, and newfound bond to succeed.

Director Steve McQueen, known for his masterful storytelling in films such as “12 Years a Slave,” brings his unique vision and artistry to Widows. The film not only captivates with its intense action sequences but also delves into complex themes of resilience, female empowerment, and the impact of crime on society.

Widows features outstanding performances from its ensemble cast, with Viola Davis delivering a powerhouse portrayal of Veronica Rawlins. Her performance is complemented by the talented Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo, who expertly portray the other widows, each bringing their own unique strengths and vulnerabilities to the screen.

The film’s screenplay, co-written by Steve McQueen and Gillian Flynn, explores the dynamics of power, trust, and betrayal, providing depth and complexity to the story. It also touches upon societal issues such as corruption and the class divide, highlighting the contrast between the privileged and the marginalized.

Widows is visually stunning, with its stylish cinematography capturing the gritty yet vibrant atmosphere of the city of Chicago. The soundtrack of the film perfectly complements the tense and suspenseful moments, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Released to critical acclaim, Widows holds a special place among crime thriller films. It successfully subverts genre expectations, offering unexpected twists and turns that keep audiences guessing until the very end. The film also challenges conventional gender roles, presenting strong and complex female characters who defy stereotypes and take charge of their own destinies.

Widows is a testament to the power of resilience, collaboration, and self-discovery. It explores the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones and showcases the strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Overall, Widows is a must-watch film for fans of the crime thriller genre, with its gripping narrative, exceptional performances, and thought-provoking themes. It leaves a lasting impact and serves as a reminder of the power of reinvention and the resilience of the human spirit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Widows” is a captivating movie that combines elements of crime, suspense, and female empowerment. With a stellar cast, gripping plot, and skillful direction by Steve McQueen, the film delivers an intense experience that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Through its complex characters, thought-provoking themes, and smart storytelling, “Widows” offers more than just a typical heist movie. It explores the struggles and resilience of a group of widows who take matters into their own hands, challenging societal norms and finding strength in unity.

With its powerful performances, stylish visuals, and suspenseful narrative, “Widows” is a must-watch for movie enthusiasts seeking an enthralling and unique cinematic experience.

FAQs

Q: Who directed the movie “Widows”?

A: “Widows” was directed by Steve McQueen, known for his critically acclaimed film “12 Years a Slave.”

Q: Is “Widows” based on a book?

A: Yes, “Widows” is based on the 1983 British television series of the same name created by Lynda La Plante.

Q: Who are the main actors in “Widows”?

A: The film features an ensemble cast including Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, and Daniel Kaluuya.

Q: What genre is “Widows”?

A: “Widows” falls under the genres of crime, drama, and thriller.

Q: What is the premise of the movie “Widows”?

A: “Widows” follows the story of four women whose criminal husbands are killed during a heist. Left with enormous debts and danger looming, the widows band together to execute a heist of their own to secure their futures.

Q: Is “Widows” a character-driven film?

A: Yes, “Widows” delves deeply into the lives and motivations of its characters, making it a character-driven film that explores themes of empowerment, loss, and redemption.

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