First, 'Widows' fulfills qualifications to be a good thriller & crime movie. McQueen does an excellent job of building suspense, and a turn of event brings many possibilities for Veronica's scheme. I love that the story leads to unexpected path. McQueen's storytelling is neat and to-the-point. He decisively cuts out unimportant and trivial matters and rather elaborates and focuses on the main narrative.
Second, so what is important thing that he wanted to tell? Women characters in the movie are empowered and independent. Not only that, he portrays Chicago and its racial issues very delicately. It is not about white vs black. Many interests at the stake form intertwined relationship among many parties. Manning does not run to represent his people but runs for his own sake. Reverend gathers votes for whomever he can have influence on. Mulligan's micro-loan model does not lend money or help minority women; it all comes back to his pocket. Marcus wrongful death by police force because of his color. Harry then leaves his wife & friends to have a white family and colludes with Mulligan who is white to ruin Manning who is black. Genius of McQueen can be seen in the scene where Mulligan gets in the car and drives from Manning's office to his home. Audience can hear the conversation, but camera follows the street of 18th ward. House and neighborhood passing by gets more organized, cleaner, and better. Very subtle but powerful enough to deliver the message.
However, connecting each event, character, or message is not smooth enough. As I watch the whole movie, there are times it feels disconnected from what was just happening before. This bad pacing and editing lessens intensity and intrigue of viewers in two-hour movie.
Second, so what is important thing that he wanted to tell? Women characters in the movie are empowered and independent. Not only that, he portrays Chicago and its racial issues very delicately. It is not about white vs black. Many interests at the stake form intertwined relationship among many parties. Manning does not run to represent his people but runs for his own sake. Reverend gathers votes for whomever he can have influence on. Mulligan's micro-loan model does not lend money or help minority women; it all comes back to his pocket. Marcus wrongful death by police force because of his color. Harry then leaves his wife & friends to have a white family and colludes with Mulligan who is white to ruin Manning who is black. Genius of McQueen can be seen in the scene where Mulligan gets in the car and drives from Manning's office to his home. Audience can hear the conversation, but camera follows the street of 18th ward. House and neighborhood passing by gets more organized, cleaner, and better. Very subtle but powerful enough to deliver the message.
However, connecting each event, character, or message is not smooth enough. As I watch the whole movie, there are times it feels disconnected from what was just happening before. This bad pacing and editing lessens intensity and intrigue of viewers in two-hour movie.