Widows reviews: What are critics saying about the Widows heist movie?

When the trailer for Widows was first launched, many were unsure of what to make of it. The movie stars four women, women who would likely never star in a film together, leading a violent and bloody heist. Widows manage to break so many barriers precisely because it simply exists in its genre – a fast, action-packed heist film whose stakes are high and whose morals are lax – without seeming to push any agenda. And yet, Widows’ director Steve McQueen has lauded the work of his actresses, pushing the feminist angle of the film in nearly every interview.

What do critics have to say about Widows?

Widows’ Rotten Tomatoes score is an impressive 96 percent.

The critics’ consensus reads: “Widows rounds up a stellar ensemble for a heist thriller that mixes popcorn entertainment with a message – and marks another artistic leap for director Steve McQueen.”

Speaking to the Independent, McQueen said: “Often in movies, women hate each other.

“The fact that these people come together, that they respect each other – it’s very bold and very powerful.”

That boldness was well received.

Kate Gardner of The Mary Sue wrote: “This film goes beyond a simple heist.

“This is a testament to women breaking ground in new genres, especially women of colour.

“Go see this film as soon as you can, preferably with a large audience.”

Likewise, Linda Holmes at NPR wrote: “The film is taut, emotional, exciting and surprising and led by a performance from Davis so fierce and specific that you will want to see her make 20 more action movies.”

Hannah Woodhead of indie film magazine Little White Lies wrote: “Heart-stopping action combined with heartbreaking drama.”

On Little White Lies tryptic reviewing system, she gave it fours across the board for anticipation, enjoyment, and in retrospect.

Cath Clarke at The Big Issue gave it four out of five stars.

Clarke wrote: “What makes a McQueen film so distinctive is that he does everything for real.

“There’s nothing fake or polite about his style – he doesn’t look away however ugly it gets.”

Total Film’s Kate Stables gave it a resounding five out of five stars, writing: “A heist movie with serious bite, Widows is both brilliantly tense and strikingly relevant.”

Also giving it five out of five was The Evening Standard’s Charlotte O’Sullivan.

O’Sullivan wrote: “The black humour lightens the mood, or twists it, at every turn.”

Widows is now playing in cinemas.