The Woman review

A chilling attack on misogyny

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Labelled both misogynistic and feminist, The Woman, says writer/ director Lucky McKee, is neither: “It shows the abuse I see around me.”

It is upsetting, as Maine lawyer Chris (Sean Bridgers) finds a feral woman (Pollyanna McIntosh, outstanding) in the woods and hauls her home to “civilise” her.

Like co-writer Jack Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door, it involves severe abuse, though the violence is portrayed responsibly and the bizarre final act empowers the victim.

McKee’s oblique storytelling and Sean Spillane’s mournful music add unusual textures to an otherwise savage attack on patriarchy.

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Editor-at-Large, Total Film

Jamie Graham is the Editor-at-Large of Total Film magazine. You'll likely find them around these parts reviewing the biggest films on the planet and speaking to some of the biggest stars in the business – that's just what Jamie does. Jamie has also written for outlets like SFX and the Sunday Times Culture, and appeared on podcasts exploring the wondrous worlds of occult and horror.