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In recent years, more and more women and men have come forward to share their stories of harassment—with results that have shaken big businesses, Hollywood legacies, and more. And in his latest drama, Bombshell, director Jay Roach explores the story of the women who finally stood up to one of the country’s most influential figures in both television and politics.
Bombshell goes behind the scenes at Fox News in 2016, as a number of women deal with harassment in a hostile work environment. After a decade of attacks from C.E.O. Roger Ailes (John Lithgow), commentator Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) is fired for questionable reasons. Tired of staying quiet about what she and other women have endured, she comes forward to sue Ailes for harassment, hoping that hers will be just the first voice to speak up. And as the women of Fox News remain quiet, fearing the consequences of coming forward, Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), faces some difficult decisions.
Bombshell is a captivating film about the women who decided—for various reasons—that it was time to break their silence. Their stories are devastating. They’re heartbreaking. But they’re also inspiring. This is the story of strong, driven, successful women who choose to use their own power and influence to do something about a serious problem. These women could be any women—and, admittedly, the real-life characters are downplayed. But no matter what you think of the actual women or their politics, their stories are undeniably eye-opening. And the noteworthy ensemble cast makes it even more powerful.
But this film does more than just tell a story about something that happened at Fox News. It turns a spotlight on the harassment and hostility that too many women face each day—behavior that they’ve just learned to accept as “the way things are.” No matter how successful these characters may be, they still have to endure comments about their appearance. They still have to wear short skirts to show their legs on camera. And they’re well aware that if they say something, they may never work again.
For many viewers, this movie may be difficult to watch—an unexpectedly emotional experience. It may not be a heavy drama, but it highlights the horrors that many of us have experienced—whether in big ways or small. But it may also open some eyes to the painful reality of the situation—and, one can only hope, plant the seeds that will cause more people to stand up and make a difference.
With its mix of strong performances and its painfully real story, Bombshell is certainly a bombshell of a movie. It isn’t exactly a fun film to watch, but it’s definitely a memorable one.
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