Film Review: The Woman King (2022) – A Powerful Ode to Female Strength and African Legacy
The Woman King (2022) is a stirring historical action drama that redefines the epic war film through the lens of African history and female empowerment. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood (The Old Guard, Love & Basketball), the film is inspired by true events and centers on the Agojie — an all-female warrior unit that protected the West African kingdom of Dahomey in the 19th century. With a stellar performance by Viola Davis and a blend of emotional depth, cultural pride, and riveting battle sequences, The Woman King is both a cinematic triumph and a landmark moment in storytelling.
Set in the 1820s, the film follows General Nanisca (Viola Davis), the fierce and wise leader of the Agojie. Under the rule of King Ghezo (played by John Boyega), Dahomey faces threats from rival kingdoms and the growing influence of European slave traders. Nanisca trains a new generation of recruits — including the rebellious and spirited Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) — to defend the kingdom and resist the tide of oppression and exploitation.
What makes The Woman King exceptional is its ability to blend large-scale action with powerful, intimate character development. Viola Davis delivers one of her most physically demanding and emotionally complex performances to date. As Nanisca, she is a battle-hardened commander who hides deep personal scars — including a haunting past tied to the very slave trade she now fights against. Davis commands the screen with a magnetic presence, portraying a woman who must balance duty, trauma, and leadership.
Thuso Mbedu shines as Nawi, a young woman who defies traditional roles and earns her place among the Agojie through courage, resilience, and heart. Her coming-of-age arc adds a fresh dynamic to the story, showing how legacy and change can co-exist. The supporting cast, including Lashana Lynch and Sheila Atim, also deliver standout performances, each contributing to the layered representation of strength, sisterhood, and sacrifice.
From a visual standpoint, The Woman King is breathtaking. The film was shot in South Africa and features sweeping landscapes, vibrant costumes, and meticulously choreographed fight scenes that emphasize the warriors' discipline, power, and cultural pride. The combat is visceral and realistic, with a raw energy that grounds the film while honoring the skill and ferocity of the Agojie.
Terence Blanchard’s score enhances the emotional gravity of the film, blending traditional African musical elements with orchestral swells that underscore moments of triumph and tension. The production design, language, and attention to cultural detail reflect a deep respect for African history, setting The Woman King apart from most Hollywood portrayals of the continent.
Beyond its action and drama, the film addresses important themes: colonialism, gender roles, and the moral complexities of power. It does not shy away from the fact that Dahomey itself was involved in the slave trade, instead confronting it head-on through the characters’ evolving ideologies. This adds a layer of historical nuance that deepens the narrative.
In conclusion, The Woman King is a landmark film — bold, emotionally resonant, and historically significant. It tells a story that has long deserved to be on the big screen and does so with honor, style, and substance. More than just a war epic, it is a celebration of African heritage and the enduring power of women to change history.
