HCA Gradebook: “She Said”

Movie: She Said
Plot: New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor break one of the most important stories in a generation – a story that helped ignite a movement and shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood.
Cast: Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan, Patricia Clarkson, Andre Braugher, and Jennifer Ehle
Director: Maria Schrader
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Studio: Universal Pictures
Number of Graders: 22
HCA Overall Grade: B+

Nicole Ackman says, “She Said is a stunning film, brilliantly directed by Maria Schrader. Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan are fantastic as Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, both bringing to light these women’s lives as reporters and as working mothers. The film deals with its subject in a very respectful way, never showing too much or exploiting the real victims’ experiences. The recent discourse around the film has proven just how necessary the movie is.”

Grade: A+

Ema Sasic says, “A true testament to the power of journalism, brave women coming forward to speak their truths and women being the minds behind a film such as this. The women’s stories are handled with such care and respect, and only a female-led team could do such a thing. Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan are wonderful as the New York Times journalists behind this impactful story, giving us great insight into not only their professional careers but struggles behind closed doors.”

Grade: A

Ricky Valero says, “Overall, She Said is not just one of the year’s best films but is essential for everyone. It’s a masterclass in storytelling that highlights the work of two extraordinary women that gave a voice to the voiceless.”

Grade: A

Nikki Fowler says, “She Said brilliantly brings the feverish high-paced energy chronicling the takedown of one of Hollywood’s most infamous predators and perfectly bottles the heart racing edge of your seat fear in that it could all slip through the fingers of the dedicated journalists bringing it all together. Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan give savvy and dynamic performances and the film perfectly weaves the brave voices of the women who spoke up against him with excellent direction by Maria Schrader. The film delicately spared viewers from the triggering visual details of Weinstein’s repeated crimes spanning decades. She Said is an important reminder of those who at the time looked away, those who had no voice only to find the bravery to speak out and the importance of never forgetting the challenges that many face today from those that think they are invincible.”

Grade: A

Zoë Rose Bryant says, “She Said is a staggering ode to the art of journalism and the dogged determination of journalists around the world. It’s this generation’s All the President’s Men and as enormously engrossing and emotionally effective as Spotlight. Carey Mulligan commands an extraordinary ensemble.”

Grade: A

David Gonzalez says, “Maria Schrader’s She Said paints an essential picture of the Hollywood hierarchy and gives a voice to the voiceless. A compelling and enthralling story that is a testament to the victims’ strength while calling for women’s truths to be heard.”

Grade: A

Nicholas Spake says, “Director Maria Schrader won an Emmy for her work on Unorthodox, one of recent memory’s most unsettling and eye-opening miniseries. With She Said, she’s crafted a film worthy of comparison to Spotlight or All the President’s Men. Like those films, She Said never feels like a dramatization of real-world events. It’s a frank depiction that avoids clichés and manipulation tactics. The film not only captures a crucial moment in the #MeToo movement, but it’s essential viewing for anyone considering a career in investigative journalism.”

Grade: A-

James White says, “She Said boasts excellent performances and unshowy direction that lets the story be the star. Given the extensive coverage – sadly, this is a story as old as time and one in which the revelations, far beyond Weinstein, will just keep arriving – it would be easy to think that you already know what happened. She Said is here to assure you, with heartbreaking authority, that you most definitely do not.”

Grade: A-

Jillian Chilingerian says, “Adapted from a novel of the same name, She Said is a gripping story about the New York Times investigation into the sexual abuse by Harvey Weinstein. Skipping over the flashiness of dramatizations, it opts for a de-saturated coloring that focuses on the story at hand with an emotional pulse and social depth that powers the narrative. At the heart of the film is listening through thoughtful conversations that crafts a journalistic thriller around the female voice.”

Grade: A-

Rodrigo Salem says, “A powerful story, one of the best reenactments of newspaper life, and well-acted, but the director should show more than tell. It’s a movie after all.”

Grade: B+

Miriam Spritzer says, “It’s a great plot, but there are notes. It could be shorter, the introduction didn’t really feel connected to the rest of the film – although, in the same topic, it was actually not necessary for what the plot was actually about. It is well written, well shot, and incredibly well acted, but it was not really groundbreaking. It is more of the same investigative journalism type of film. Still loved watching it.”

Grade: B+

Clarence Moye says, “She Said stars Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan as New York Times reporters Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor who broke the Harvey Weinstein systematic abuse/rape story. The film essentially comes in two halves: one that pulls the Weinstein case into their focus and another that introduces characters representing a few of Weinstein’s victims. The second half of the film is the strongest by far as it gives a voice to some of those who so significantly suffered at his hands. It also offers the film’s two best performances from Samantha Morton and Jennifer Ehle. Mulligan and Kazan are good in their roles, but the nature of the story and of modern journalism offers them several scenes of walking around talking on the phone. It’s unavoidable, but it’s not that cinematic. Ultimately, it’s a good story well told that resonates well beyond the theater.”

Grade: B+

Matthew Creith says, “The heart of She Said comes from the subtlety of its fact-based story and the combination of reflecting Twohey and Kantor’s family lives mixed with their desire not to become part of the story. At the heart of the matter is that many women don’t want to talk on the record if they believe they are the only ones choosing to speak up. Actor Ashley Judd, playing herself, strikes a much-needed balance between sensationalism and presenting a picture of what audiences need to understand about this crime: If it can happen to these women, then it can happen in any workplace.”

Grade: B+

Tom O’Brien says, “Like its spiritual predecessors Spotlight and All the President’s Men, She Said depicts the dogged job of building a case brick by back, getting hung up on or having doors slammed in your face until finally there’s enough evidence to hit the button marked “Publish.” And the lead performances by Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan are as solid as the film that surrounds them.”

Grade: B+

Scott Menzel says, “She Said showcases the power of great journalism. Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan are equally fantastic as the brave journalists who dedicated years of their lives to telling the truth about Harvey Weinstein, no matter what challenges stood in their way. The film is inspiring not only for women but anyone who is looking to pursue a career in journalism.”

Grade: B+

Cole Jaeger says, “Though light on character development, the strength of She Said is in staying true to the story at the players involved. Maria Schrader wisely avoids sensationalism and flashiness in favor of a grounded and realistic telling of events. She lets the acting ensemble shine, and while Mulligan and Kazan are great in the lead roles, it’s the stellar supporting cast, Samantha Morton and Jennifer Ehle the best among them, who bring it to life.”

Grade: B

Abe Friedtanzer says, “She Said features compelling turns from its cast, led by Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan, in its retelling of a resounding and transformative moment in Hollywood history. The film has its poignant moments but never feels quite as cinematic as other journalism-centric productions.”

Grade: B

Rebecca Lewis says, “Important storytelling that falls short from a slow pace. Zoe Kazan is a standout, as is Jennifer Ehle.”

Grade: B

Abbie Bernstein says, “She Said is intriguing and moves along at an acceptable pace. It just seems like there might have been a way of telling this story that made us feel its importance more than does the postscript we get at the end.”

Grade: B

Aaron Neuwirth says, “Once the film finds its footing, there’s a solid drama that pokes through… though I wish the film managed to do more than be a professionally made victory lap for the story of how the dreaded former head of Miramax was taken down.”

Grade: B-

Danielle Broadway says, “While the significance of She Said is incredibly vital, as it brings to life a story that changed conversations surrounding sexual assault, misogyny and so much more, there is something lacking. The film’s pacing is slow and drags on at times instead of being engaging. The groundwork for a greater film was there, but it didn’t come to fruition.”

Grade: C

Chauncey K. Robinson says, “The biographical drama lacks flare or innovative choices in how it presents its story, but the real-life testimonies of the victims of Weinstein are the saving grace in elevating the film. She Said does a fine job in showcasing the exhaustive work journalists have to go through when investigating a story, and how important freedom of the press is when holding those in power accountable.”

Grade: C+

She Said is now playing exclusively in theaters.