“The Woman King”, released on Netflix on Feb. 16, 2023, rated PG-13. It premiered in Theatres five months ago on Sept.16, 2022. Gina Prince-Bythewood the film’s director and Dana Stevens the film writer provided a very provocative look into these historical figures. 

The movie takes you back 200 years in Dahomey on the West coast of Africa and focuses on women’s role in the Dahomey culture. This movie differs from normal women empowerment movies though because it isn’t showing a village that pities and disrespects women, it shows a village that relies on the elite women warriors, the Agojie, to protect them

The story follows the leader of the Agojie, Nanisca, and a recruit for the army named Nawi. Nanisca, played by Viola Davis who played Amanda Waller in “Suicide Squad”. The movie flashes back and slowly revivals her past. Her past clears some of the confusion during the present. Nawi, played by Thuso Mbedu, who played the main character Cora in The “Underground Railroad,” gets thrown out of her home by her father and joins the Agojie. She becomes a top Warrior and becomes loved by the top Agojie leaders. The scene changes and the quick pace of the movie explains how the slave trade and their past link together.

The movie’s thrilling, exciting pace keeps attention on the screen but still takes the viewer on a clear path. It starts with a battle where the Agojie wipes out one of their enemy’s camps and retakes their people. You see the movie’s focus shift to the women and then and there you understand that this movie focuses on African American Woman empowerment. The way the flashbacks blended into the story fits perfectly. Just when you start to put the pieces together they show you another background piece from one of the characters. These flashbacks also put a mystery aspect into the movie. You have to think and pay attention to putting the pieces together before they reveal them to you. Not only have they written an amazing plot but they have created amazing characters that capture their attention and heart. 

The side characters Izogie and Amenza captivate the audience’s love. Izogie a fan favorite from the moment I started watching. Her humor and caring demeanor gets displaced beautifully by actress Lashana Lynch. She has played lots of roles through 2022 such as Captain Marvel in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness” and also as Miss Honey in Roald Dahl’s “Matilda the Musical.” Amenza, a great support for Nanisca and never leaves her side. Her bravery and loyalty make you strive to be like her. Sheila Atim plays Amenza and has also starred in “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse ” as Sara. You could also tell that Lashana and Sheila had worked together before. They looked very natural and brought the movie together. 

“The Woman King” puts the pieces of this historical story together smoothly. It hits all the emotions and captives an audience. I recommend this movie to anyone male or female, who needs a self-confidence boost.