Call Jane

Call Jane is a 2022 dramatic feature film interweaving a stirring tale of female empowerment and collective covert action set against an intricate backdrop of America in the late 1960s. The movie, directed by Phyllis Nagy, stars prominent actors including Elizabeth Banks, Sigourney Weaver, and Chris Messina. Through its raw and authentic depictions, Call Jane becomes not just a movie but a powerful, emotive statement on the pivotal role of women in society.

The film follows the journey of Joy (played by Elizabeth Banks), an intuitive and delicate woman beaten down by her traditional, suburban middle-class lifestyle. Joy's life takes an unexpected turn when she gets pregnant and discovers an underground network of women known as 'Jane,' who give her the help she is unable to find in her social and legal landscape. Sigourney Weaver stars as Virginia, a maternal character who is one of the main figures guiding the clandestine group, and Chris Messina's role as Joy's husband, Don, adds more complexity to the narrative.

Against the panoramic historical and social context of a nation in flux, Joy's ordinary life of garden parties and neighborhood chats gives way to a fight for personal and collective freedom. It addresses the societal restrictions that women had to face, particularly in relation to their reproductive rights. Call Jane delineates the life story of an everyday suburban woman struggling with the issue of unplanned pregnancy in an era where they had very limited reproductive rights.

Elizabeth Banks delivers a compelling performance as Joy, brilliantly embodying the complex emotions of fear, strength, and inevitable transformation. Her portrayal of Joy's emotional trajectory as she moves from a timid housewife to a woman who takes control of her destiny is truly powerful and empowering.

Meanwhile, Sigourney Weaver's portrayal of Virginia, the network's backbone and moral compass, is equally compelling. Virginia's character lends a greater depth to the film, providing emotional resonance and a calm strength that underpins the turbulent times. Chris Messina’s performance as Joy’s husband, Don, while somewhat antagonistic, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, exposing the viewers to a male perspective of the times.

Call Jane is set in Chicago, and it wonderfully recreates the subtle nuances, fashion, and manners of the time period. The set designs, costumes, and overall visual aesthetics significantly contribute to the film's authenticity, giving audiences a visually stunning yet realistic peek into suburban America of the late '60s. This extraordinary attention to detail further enhances the narrative, making the film engaging and relatable on several levels.

Phyllis Nagy, an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, successfully translates her exceptional storytelling skills into her directorial role. She directs this vital tale with sensitivity and sobering realism. The narrative is genuinely significant, drawing attention to the painful truths of the past and prompting conversations about the ongoing controversies around women's reproductive rights.

In addition to its strong narrative and performances, Call Jane is underscored by an evocative soundtrack that perfectly encapsulates the essence of the era. The movie skilfully utilizes music to convey the characters' emotions, creating a powerful auditory experience that complements the visual storytelling.

Overall, Call Jane is a masterpiece that triumphs in its portrayal of women's strength, resilience, and the power of collective spirit during a tumultuous era. It is as much a gripping period drama as it's a portrayal of an untold facet of American history, told through the eyes of an ordinary woman who undergoes an extraordinary transformation. An essential viewing, Call Jane sends a powerful message about women's control over their bodies and their lives, a message that is as relevant today as it was in the late 1960s.