A group of women decide to take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.
The Fox News Media Empire sex scandal that broke a little more than three years ago was a catalyst that further opened the floodgates for victims of sexual harassment in the workplace. Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) and Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) are names that are now synonymous in the ever-evolving “me too” movement. In this film, there are certain elements of popularity and pomp and circumstance that seemed to have collided when a ruthless businessman purposely surrounded himself with a team of beautiful women and talented journalists who clearly got more than they bargained for while at the same time acknowledging they possessed a real thirst for climbing the corporate ladder and for staying relevant once they got there.
“Bombshell,” which is partially based on facts, two real cases and one add-on, the focus is on Gretchen Carlson’s lawsuit against Roger Ailes and how the impending lawsuit brought three women together whilst their careers were falling apart due to public and private duress. Although they were supposed victims, their treatment after exposing the conglomerate, posed a great deal of negative attention for Fox News and Fox & Friends. Longtime supporters of the network and newly reckoned naysayers rallied for their voices to be heard and Roger Ailes’ wife Beth remained a staunch supporter of her husband and claimed she encouraged a portion of his behavior.
Director Jay Roach did an excellent job in his casting of characters to provide true-to-life resemblances of media mogul Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) and journalists Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) and Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman). Theron’s mannerisms did superior justice to capture the essence of Megyn’s character and beliefs of entitlement while Nicole’s quiet, yet confident persona helped the audience to truly establish empathy for her role. Margot Robbie, too, was excellent in her portrayal of Kayla Pospisil in her naivety and eagerness to get ahead, despite the personal sacrifice. While the film had a few flaws in carrying a believable storyline throughout, there were enough breakthrough moments to make it realistic and believable in a time where journalistic chauvinism and the repercussions for non-compliance continues to be a thing in modern society.
In Theaters Friday, December 20th
