She Said Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two NYT reporters play phone tag and write an article that everyone already knew about.

🍿 She Said: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Investigation

In 2017, New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor receives a tip about a past sexual assault allegation against Harvey Weinstein involving actress Rose McGowan. Initially, McGowan is reluctant to go on record. Kantor teams up with fellow reporter Megan Twohey, who is investigating similar allegations against Donald Trump. The two reporters begin a deep dive into Weinstein’s history, facing numerous obstacles.

Overcoming Obstacles

Kantor and Twohey encounter numerous challenges, including non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that prevent victims from speaking out, powerful lawyers protecting Weinstein, and a general culture of fear within Hollywood. They discover that many cases were settled out of court with NDAs, effectively silencing the victims and allowing Weinstein to continue his behavior. They face closed doors and reluctant witnesses, yet persist in their investigation.

Key Witnesses and Evidence

The reporters track down former assistants and employees of Weinstein, some of whom are willing to share their stories off the record. Zelda Perkins, a former Miramax assistant, provides crucial evidence despite a gag order. Laura Madden, a woman diagnosed with breast cancer, initially declines to speak but eventually agrees after being contacted by a Weinstein representative discouraging her from talking to the press. These accounts help paint a clearer picture of Weinstein’s abuse and the system that enabled him.

Publishing the Story

As the investigation progresses, Weinstein becomes aware of the impending article and attempts to suppress it through his lawyers. He denies the allegations and pressures the reporters to reveal their sources. Despite the pressure, Kantor and Twohey secure on-the-record statements from Ashley Judd and Laura Madden, leading to the publication of the New York Times story on October 5, 2017. The article exposes decades of abuse and cover-ups.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jodi Kantor (Zoe Kazan): A determined New York Times reporter who co-investigates Harvey Weinstein’s sexual misconduct, seeking to give a voice to the silenced victims.
• Megan Twohey (Carey Mulligan): A tenacious New York Times reporter who partners with Jodi Kantor to uncover and expose the widespread sexual abuse perpetrated by Harvey Weinstein.
• Rebecca Corbett (Patricia Clarkson): The supportive and encouraging editor at the New York Times who guides and champions Jodi and Megan’s investigation.
• Laura Madden (Jennifer Ehle): A former Miramax employee and survivor of Harvey Weinstein’s abuse who bravely comes forward to share her story.
• Harvey Weinstein (Mike Houston): The powerful Hollywood producer whose decades of sexual abuse and misconduct are exposed by the investigation.
• Lanny Davis (Peter Friedman): Harvey Weinstein’s lawyer who attempts to mitigate the damage and discredit the allegations against his client.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Laura Madden: “I feel like it dictated a certain direction my life took. It was like he took my voice that day. Just when I was about to start finding it.” – Laura explains how the assault impacted her life and career trajectory, highlighting the lasting damage caused by the abuse of power.
• Megan Twohey: “What we’re dealing with here is a system that condones sexual abuse to women by men in powerful positions.” – Megan emphasizes that the issue is not just about one man, but a widespread culture of enabling abuse within Hollywood.
• Zelda Perkins: “I want to collapse the system.” – Zelda expresses her frustration with the legal and power structures that protect abusers, signifying a desire for systemic change.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $32,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,825,995
• Worldwide Gross: $13,944,212

💥 She Said Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘She Said’ knowing the basic story, but I was still deeply moved. Seeing the dedication of the reporters, the fear in the survivors’ eyes, it all felt so real. The scene where Ashley Judd speaks her truth sent chills down my spine. This film isn’t just informative, it’s a powerful reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go. It is a film I think everyone should see.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of investigative journalism movies like “Spotlight” and “All the President’s Men””
  • “Viewers interested in the #MeToo movement and its origins”
  • “Those who appreciate strong female-led narratives”
  • “Audiences seeking thought-provoking and impactful dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Discussion of sexual harassment and abuse”
  • “Themes of power imbalance and workplace misconduct”
  • “Emotional distress related to trauma”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A meticulously researched and sensitively handled account, ‘She Said’ focuses on the reporters’ process, offering a compelling look at investigative journalism in the #MeToo era. It is a must-see for those wanting to understand the mechanics of uncovering powerful truths.
• Variety: “Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan deliver powerhouse performances in this gripping drama. The film masterfully balances the tension of the investigation with the emotional weight of the survivors’ stories, creating a potent and unforgettable cinematic experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘She Said’ is a vital and urgent film that tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence. The movie highlights the importance of journalism in holding powerful figures accountable and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced.

Audience Reactions

The performances by Carey Mulligan and Zoe Kazan were incredibly powerful and moving.: The dedication and empathy they brought to their roles truly honored the survivors’ stories.

The movie effectively conveyed the immense pressure and challenges faced by investigative journalists.: Viewers appreciated the film’s realistic portrayal of the process, showcasing the hard work and persistence required to uncover the truth.

Overall Consensus: ‘She Said’ is a powerful and important film that shines a light on the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the rise of the #MeToo movement. Though some find the pacing slow, the performances and the film’s commitment to truth-telling make it a must-see.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was shot in the actual New York Times building, marking the first time a movie used the real offices, lending authenticity to the setting.”
• “Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, acquired the rights to the book ‘She Said,’ demonstrating his commitment to telling the story despite his past professional relationship with Harvey Weinstein.”
• “To avoid sensationalizing the abuse, the film deliberately avoids depicting the assaults themselves, focusing instead on the emotional impact on the survivors and the meticulous work of the journalists.”
• “Ashley Judd appears as herself in the film, recounting her own experiences with Harvey Weinstein, adding a powerful layer of authenticity and courage to the narrative.”

🖥️ How to Watch She Said?

As of October 2024, “She Said” is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or buy the movie on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability. Consider subscribing to these services for easy access.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed She Said, you might like these similar films:

• Spotlight (2015): Both films focus on investigative journalism uncovering a widespread scandal, showcasing the meticulous work and ethical dilemmas faced by reporters.
• All the President’s Men (1976): A classic journalism drama that highlights the importance of investigative reporting in holding powerful individuals accountable, sharing a similar theme of uncovering hidden truths.
• Bombshell (2019): Based on the accounts of several women at Fox News who set out to expose CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment.
• The Post (2017): Highlights the critical role of the press in holding government accountable and fighting for the right to publish important information, focusing on the investigation of cover ups.

🛒 She Said Related Products

• She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement: The book that inspired the movie, this is the definitive account of the investigation that exposed Harvey Weinstein’s decades of abuse and sparked the #MeToo movement. Dive deeper into the details and understand the full scope of the scandal.
• #METOO Movement T-Shirt: Show your support for the #METOO movement with this stylish t-shirt. Made with comfortable, high-quality materials.
• All the President’s Men (Two-Disc Special Edition): A classic film about investigative journalism, this movie is a great companion piece to ‘She Said’. See how Woodward and Bernstein uncovered the Watergate scandal, changing the course of history.
• Spotlight (Movie): A film about the Boston Globe’s ‘Spotlight’ team, which uncovered the massive scandal of child sex abuse in the Catholic Church. It highlights the power and importance of investigative journalism.

🎧 Soundtrack

She Said features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Call Me” – performed by St. Paul & The Broken Bones
• “She Said – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – performed by Nicholas Britell

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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