She Will
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She Will
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that She Will is an atmospheric horror with violence -- including sexual assault -- strong language, and some drug taking. Veronica Ghent (Alice Krige) is an older actor who travels to a Scottish retreat following a double mastectomy and discovers she is able to act out revenge in her dreams. The violent scenes include a character falling to their death, resulting in a pool of blood; a scalpel cutting skin; and reference to the burning of witches. An attempted rape is shown, though stopped, and there is mention of an adult man's relationship with a 13-year-old girl, with the implication it was sexual. Occasional strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," and "bitch." Characters drink and take hallucinogenic mushrooms to the point of intoxication. There is also some smoking of cigarettes. The movie is female-led and empowering, though may be slow-moving for more traditional horror fans.
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What's the Story?
In SHE WILL, actor Veronica Ghent (Alice Krige) escapes to a Scottish retreat with her nurse, Desi (Kota Eberhardt), following a double mastectomy. While there, she draws strength from mysterious forces linked to past traumas and develops the power to enact revenge in her sleep.
Is It Any Good?
Director Charlotte Colbert's debut feature film is a confidently handled horror drama that offers a visceral exploration of aging, gender, history, and revenge. The horror elements in She Will are artistic and sensual, building slowly and atmospherically rather than grabbing hold of cheap scares. The witty script heightens proceedings further to mark this as a smart, accomplished offering. Though the movie actively references the patriarchy and the plot involves vengeance against a past abuser, it is less heavy handed than other films with similar messages, yet remains a decidedly feminist vision.
Krige is suitably bewitching as Veronica. She's both hardened and knowing, yet vulnerable and open to the primal connections that tether her to the surrounding landscape and its potent history. Eberhardt is equally captivating as her kindly nurse-turned ally -- the bond between the two further cementing the focus on female empowerment. Well-cast appearances from Malcolm McDowell and Rupert Everett add to the solid cast. However, the men take a back seat here to a rich, intimate portrait of a woman reckoning with the past and future.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in She Will. What purpose did the violent scenes serve to the story? Were they shocking or thrilling? Why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Did you think the movie was scary? What was most scary about it? Did it remind you of any other movies? What's the appeal of horror movies?
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How were drinking, smoking and drug use portrayed? Were there consequences? Did it glamorize it?
Discuss the themes of female empowerment in the film. How was the role of women explored and from what did the characters draw their strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 15, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: July 15, 2022
- Cast: Alice Krige, Kota Eberhardt, Malcolm McDowell
- Director: Charlotte Colbert
- Studio: IFC Midnight
- Genre: Horror
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: July 16, 2022
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