Badass female warriors. Incredible action scenes. Emotional and vivid moments. All of this and more can be found in The Woman King, a new movie released on Sept. 16. 

The film tells the story of a group of all female warriors protecting their African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800’s. Actress Viola Davis plays the leader of these warriors, Nanisca. The plot is centered around the training of a new warrior named Nawi, played by Thusu Mbedu. 

The element of this film that stood out most is that it defies the traditional action movies we’ve seen in the past, with a predominantly female cast that is also incredibly diverse and authentic.

The Woman King is also based on a true story. The Agogie people were a real tribe in Africa in the 1800’s and the details of their lives shown in the movie, including the threat of enslavement and colonization, are based on real events. The Woman King is able to address these complicated historical themes accurately and powerfully while simultaneously connecting them to modern society. 

Davis, the first African-American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, exemplifies the true power of bravery and strength through her portrayal of this powerful warrior. Mbedu, a young South African actress, embodies the power of resilience and advocacy and is a character I was rooting for throughout the film. 

Through these performances, The Woman King sets a new precedent for Hollywood movies starring women. The film portrays women as strong and capable rather than in need of a man’s help.

So if you’re looking for a movie that illustrates feminist values, diversity and intense historical themes all in one, The Woman King is the film for you. I cannot recommend this film enough.