Cinema as entertainment. Cinema as denunciation. Cinema as historical memory.
Eight years ago, Spotlight presented the drama of a group of journalists who, despite the difficulties, published an article that shocked the world: The Church allowed abuse by priests for years (2002). After uncovering the sewer, thousands of stories around the world came to light.
Now we have "She said", a film that presents the drama of a couple of journalists who, despite the difficulties, published an article that shook the world: Harvey Weinstein paid off sexual harassment accusers for decades (2017). After uncovering that other sewer, not only did dozens of stories come to light, but an expansive movement was created: #MeToo.
I don't know how Carey Mulligan manages to be such a good actress; a single look, a scene with no change in her gestures, can be so powerful. Not only was the casting of Carey as Megan Twohey terrific, but Zoe Kazan in her portrayal of Jodi Kantor is wonderful as well. Both support the film without problem as the protagonists of this story. Rebecca Lenkiewicz's script is completely on point, entertaining and moving. Nicholas Britell's music seemed ideal to me, as it highlights the scenes of tension, breakdown, and frustration. Natasha Braier's photography provides frames that without the need for dialogue convey a lot. All taken care of by a good direction by Maria Schrader.
There are very valuable messages presented in the dialogues that are necessary in society. So it is a film that is well worth watching, and keeping in mind as an example of cinema as historical memory. There are many horrible stories to tell, many sewers to uncover, many investigations worthy of applause, many articles that change the course of society. "She Said" is proof of that.