Considering the recent decision of the US Supreme Court in Dobbs V. Jackson Women’s Health Organization (2022) and its previous decision in Roe V. Wade (1973) on the issue of reproductive rights, I think most viewers will agree with me that this historical drama is timely.
This film being historical takes us back in time to the 1960s when abortion was illegal in most states and often with no exceptions for cases of rape or threat to life. Women were forced to seek out illegal and dangerous places to perform such procedures.
At first glance at the film poster, I was happy to see Elizabeth Banks as the main character because she's one Hollywood actress with class. She rarely disappoints and her acting is stellar. My excitement increases when I see Sigourney Weaver also beside her. I knew it would be a touching and enjoyable flick.
Call Jane (2022) is a historical drama set in August 1968. It focuses on Joy, a housewife, and mother of a fifteen-year-old daughter, who discovers she's pregnant but her life is in danger due to congestive heart failure. If she is to survive, the pregnancy must be terminated. Her doctor suggests she meets the hospital board and tries to convince them to sign off on the procedure.
The hospital board is an all-male board that decides right in front of Joy, as though she had no voice or is invisible, that the procedure wouldn't be approved. Joy is distraught and seeks out an illegal abortion place but when she sees the unkempt surrounding, out of fear, she runs out of the apartment. That is when she sees a flyer pasted on a pole that says: "Pregnant? Need help? Call Jane!".
She makes the call, meets a group of women and the abortion is safely performed for her. Then the leader of the 'Janes' calls her in to assist with other women and that's how Joy becomes a part of the Call Jane activist group. Her husband, a criminal litigator, has no idea what his wife is up to until their fifteen-year-old daughter follows Joy to the meeting house and a detective visits their home and questions Joy about the group. Will the Call Jane group escape the eye of the law?
*[Source: YouTube](https://youtu.be/U-1pUnTsSQc)*Review
This is one interesting and thought-provoking film that seeks to shine the light on women's plight in the era before the Supreme Court decision in Roe V. Wade, a time when abortion was illegal.
When the Supreme Court ruled in Roe's case that abortion was a fundamental right per the 14th Amendment, it was a victory. But recently, the Supreme Court has overturned its earlier decision and held in Dobbs' case that abortion is not a right thus making it illegal.
The release of this film brings this issue to the fore for further discussions and shines a spotlight on the impact of these restrictions. The performances of the cast were outstanding, especially Elizabeth Banks as Joy and Sigourney Weaver as Virginia.
Elizabeth Banks brings her character to life with her touching performance. We see and understand a mother's personal journey from being pregnant and dying to a free person who helps others like herself.
Phyllis Nagy, the director, did a great job ensuring the focus is on Joy (Elizabeth Banks) even though we cannot turn a blind eye to the compelling character of Virginia (Sigourney Weaver), the leader of the Call Jane.
I like Sigourney Weaver's character in this film. She's fearless, strong, and compelling. To start an activist group that helps women in that time and keep it going without the authorities detecting is no small feat. Her firm but gentle authority is admirable and she makes a fascinating duo with Elizabeth.
The plot and settings are great but I was not too impressed with the visual effects. More than 50% of the scenes were shot in partially dark places with poor lighting. I know the director is aiming for a time in the 1960s but still, if the lights are brighter, it will make the film enjoyable for viewers who may be reluctant to watch.
Overall, this is a great, timely, and touching film. I recommend you watch it with an open mind.
Thank you for visiting my blog.
Other images are screenshots from the movie
