Trigger warning: contains mentions of sexual harassment and abuse
The 2017 New York Times report on the pervasive system of sexual abuse in Hollywood shocked the world. The article was shocking not only because of the horrific stories of abuse throughout, but because the predator was a household name.
The 2022 movie She Said is based on the story of the reporters, Megan Twohey and Jodi Kantor, who set out to write an article about why sexual harassment was so common within the workplace, and ended up exposing the system of abuse within the Hollywood company Miramax, specifically stemming from the leadership of Harvey Weinstein. The title takes the second half of the phrase habitually used to dismiss sexual assault allegations – “he said, she said” – and in doing so, reminds us of the importance of women’s testimony.
Despite being a story fundamentally based on the horrific treatment of women by Harvey Weinstein, as a character he only features in the film when we see him from behind, being ushered into legal meetings. This is an important reminder that the film is not about Weinstein, and was never supposed to be. The film is a tribute to all the women who were brave enough to speak up, not just in this case but in hundereds of thousands of others. The film wasn’t trying to accuse induvidual people of assault; it acts as a commentary on the wider narrative of sexual abuse within the workplace, and the extraordinary bravery of the women who chose to speak up.
It’s in the intimate interviews with survivors that the true enormity of what is being spoken about comes across, and the way in which countless lives are altered by these experiences. Perhaps one of the most emotive scenes was when survivor Laura Maddens, about to go under general anaesthesia, calls the New York Times from a hospital in Wales to inform Twohey and Kantor that she will agree to let them publish her story within the article. Her reason? “I have three daughters, and I don’t want them to ever accept abuse or bullying as normal”.
The portrayal of Twohey and Kantor is incredible, both juggling motherhood and investigative journalism, and the film places a huge emphasis on their individual struggles. As the film opens, we see Megan Twohey’s struggle with post-natal depression, and the way this brings her and Kantor closer. Both are all too aware of their flaws and frailty, yet are hugely powerful in their dedication to their work, and anger at the situations they are dealing with. Certain moments, such as when Twohey faces abuse at a bar, and retaliates with screams, and Kantor receiving phone calls from an unknown stalker are difficult to watch, but simultaneously are empowering, reminding us of the bravery of the two women who put themselves on the line to bring other women justice.
There is power in speaking up, and the film delicately touches on just how difficult it is to do so. We see women who moved across the world to try and forget the abuse they faced, one even revealing that she never told anyone about her experiences, including her husband, because she was too scared that no one would believe her or that she would be blamed. She Said acknowledges that speaking up is never easy, but it is fundamentally the only way to make any change within society. Twonhey and Kantor remind us of this, with the emotive line “The only way that these women will speak up, is if they all jump together”. We need to jump together in order to make change.
Of course, due to its subject matter, She Said is not an easy watch for anyone, but is also a hugely important one. Whilst the Weinstein report and the #MeToo movement went a long way in raising awareness about sexual harassment, I think that very few women would look at the world around us and think “our work here is done”. We still have a very long way to go, but She Said reminds us of the power of individual women and their voices. No matter how little or insignificant you may think you are, your voice and your experiences are hugely important – please speak up, for yourself, your friends, and for women everywhere.
If anything in this article has made you feel worried or uncomfortable, or you want to talk to someone about any of the topics raised, please don’t hesitate to contact your tutor, your head of year or anyone on the pastoral team.
