The female king collected some Major word of mouth received acclaim after its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, and for good reason. Viola Davis reminds us why she is an Oscar-winning actress (Fences, 2016) and delivers a stunning performance as the leader of an all-female warrior unit in West Africa. There are thrills, action and a strong message delivered by poignant writing. However, the film often falls into the trap of formulaic storytelling.
Viola Davis is Nanisca. She alone leads the Agojie, elite warriors who act as the protectors of Dahomey. The fact that the Agojie is a team made up entirely of female warriors is unique; However, their combat skills and fearless determination make them worthy, and often underrated, opponents of any man. John Boyego is King Ghezo, ruler of the land and ardent defender of Nansisca and her warriors. And when Dahomey faces new dangers, it will count on its female protectors to ensure its safety and that of its people.
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With a couple like Viola Davis and John Boyega in the lead, the performances are bound to be stellar. In this department, The female king does not disappoint. Where the film stumbles is in its ability to surprise its audience. The film falls into a beat-for-beat representation of what is expected and, at times, loses its balance of honest drama and over-the-top action spectacle.
Make no mistake, this is an action movie. There’s humor, heart, and drama, but at its core, this film is built from heart-pounding moments of intense combat. Davis fits into the role of an action hero as well as she fits into any drama award contender, wielding her blade with a ferocity that is unmistakably authoritative. Is there anything she can’t do? The action isn’t always perfect, often caught up in overzealous editing that cuts too quickly. However, he manages to create adrenaline-pumping entertainment, making for a fun theatrical experience.
I can tell you that the public of my theater like this film. Their vocal cheers and howls were the exact type of reaction a filmmaker wants. That alone is a far greater indicator of this film’s impact than my singular review. Although I don’t usually enjoy a vocal theater audience, The female king was raised by the interactive and enthusiastic crowd. I strongly advise you to see this film at the cinema.
The female king screened at TIFF and hits theaters this Friday. While it won’t break new ground in historical action epics, it will use the genre’s established tropes to explore an interesting and engaging story. Davis uses his powerful presence and chiseled physique to command the screen for over two hours, a performance worthy of the movie’s royal title. 7/10
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