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A heist film that plays more into what a realistic heist would entail, dropping the gun glamour and cool as hell criminals for a slower and more dramatic take. Directed by Steve McQueen and boasting a strong cast, Widows is an under seen and underrated film that deserves a bit more attention.
A heist gone wrong ends the lives of four criminals. With them in a blaze of fire went up $2 million dollars. The person whose money that belongs to wants to be reimbursed and he goes after the widow of one of the criminals. She finds an old notebook with details on a big job and recruits the widows of the other criminals in an effort to pay back what is owed and have enough to start a new life. The trouble is that these ladies are no professionals and the man demanding his money is getting impatient.
When you think of heist films, you think of something along the lines of Point Break or Baby Driver. Those films are action packed. Heat is considered the granddaddy of them all and it builds up to one of the best shootout sequences put on film. So how does Widows compare to those movies? It doesn't. It doesn't even attempt to, it focuses on other things and has no intention of being called an action movie. The heist happens and yes, it has tense moments, but it's over in a blink of an eye and grounded in reality that we don't get your typical Hollywood set pieces. McQueen fills this world with real characters with real problems and the viewer feels each and every one of them.
Strong performances from everyone involved, lead by Viola Davis. She always seems to play strong willed characters and this one is no exception. She is dealing with a tragic loss in her life and must find the strength to tackle this head on. Supported by Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki, these ladies make a strong team.
McQueen shoots Chicago like it's another character itself. We have a scene where Colin Farrel has a rally because he's running for Mayor. It's in the run down part of the city and he gets in his car to go back home, which is a big house with security and maids. We never get inside that car with him, we stay outside viewing the city literally changing from the ghetto to the rich. We hear what he's saying, but we are seeing what he is talking about. I don't think you'd find a shot like this in Den of Thieves.
Widows
A heist film that plays more into what a realistic heist would entail, dropping the gun glamour and cool as hell criminals for a slower and more dramatic take. Directed by Steve McQueen and boasting a strong cast, Widows is an under seen and underrated film that deserves a bit more attention.
A heist gone wrong ends the lives of four criminals. With them in a blaze of fire went up $2 million dollars. The person whose money that belongs to wants to be reimbursed and he goes after the widow of one of the criminals. She finds an old notebook with details on a big job and recruits the widows of the other criminals in an effort to pay back what is owed and have enough to start a new life. The trouble is that these ladies are no professionals and the man demanding his money is getting impatient.
When you think of heist films, you think of something along the lines of Point Break or Baby Driver. Those films are action packed. Heat is considered the granddaddy of them all and it builds up to one of the best shootout sequences put on film. So how does Widows compare to those movies? It doesn't. It doesn't even attempt to, it focuses on other things and has no intention of being called an action movie. The heist happens and yes, it has tense moments, but it's over in a blink of an eye and grounded in reality that we don't get your typical Hollywood set pieces. McQueen fills this world with real characters with real problems and the viewer feels each and every one of them.
Strong performances from everyone involved, lead by Viola Davis. She always seems to play strong willed characters and this one is no exception. She is dealing with a tragic loss in her life and must find the strength to tackle this head on. Supported by Michelle Rodriguez and Elizabeth Debicki, these ladies make a strong team.
McQueen shoots Chicago like it's another character itself. We have a scene where Colin Farrel has a rally because he's running for Mayor. It's in the run down part of the city and he gets in his car to go back home, which is a big house with security and maids. We never get inside that car with him, we stay outside viewing the city literally changing from the ghetto to the rich. We hear what he's saying, but we are seeing what he is talking about. I don't think you'd find a shot like this in Den of Thieves.