Woman Walks Ahead

Woman Walks Ahead is a mesmerizing blend of historical drama and art film that takes us back to the late 19th-century, specifically 1890's South Dakota, one of the most pivotal times in the history of Native American and US relations. Directed by Susanna White and written by Steven Knight, the film is based on true events drawn from the life of the renowned portrait painter, Catherine Weldon, portrayed outstandingly by Oscar-nominated actress, Jessica Chastain.

Jessica Chastain's riveting performance as Catherine Weldon is at the heart of this film. A widowed artist from New York, Weldon is shown to be a woman of courage and tenacity and a firm advocate for Native American rights. The film showcases her remarkable journey to South Dakota with the aim to paint a portrait of the legendary Sioux chief, Sitting Bull, played by Michael Greyeyes. Despite the hostile environment and the dangers she confronts, a powerful element in the film is Weldon’s undeterred commitment to her art and her efforts against government policies detrimental to the Native American tribes.

Chastain beautifully portrays Weldon as both fierce and sensitive, demonstrating her ability in bringing nuanced characters to life. The relationship between her and Sitting Bull, though complex and multi-layered, is portrayed with subtlety and care, offering a refreshing narrative that strays from the typical Western clichés. Sitting Bull is depicted not merely as a stereotypical warrior, but as a reflective, pragmatic leader concerned about the future of his community under the US government’s expansionist policies.

Michael Greyeyes also delivers a compelling performance as Sitting Bull, exuding the sense of a man caught between two worlds – his cultural roots and the encroaching Western civilization. Greyeyes and Chastain effectively illustrate the developing friendship between Sitting Bull and Weldon, drawing viewers into their world and highlighting the personal and political struggles they both share.

An important aspect of Woman Walks Ahead is how it highlights the complex politics of the era. Besides a personal narrative, it is also a political drama that showcases the harsh realities faced by the Sioux tribe due to the ongoing government pressure to give up their land and assimilate into the broader American culture. The film portrays how Weldon, initially oblivious to the intense political situation, becomes increasingly involved in their cause as her friendship with Sitting Bull deepens.

Louisa Krause and Boots Southerland are among other noteworthy members of the supporting cast. Krause plays Madame Korzukova, an interpreter for the Native Americans, and Southerland portrays Silas Groves, the sinister government agent who monitors Weldon's activities in South Dakota. Their performances add to the film's sincerity and effectively bolster the central narrative.

Susanna White’s direction is impeccable, reflecting the time's tension and injustice and the discourses around colonization, gender, and race. She beautifully captures the breathtaking landscapes of South Dakota, reinventing the Western genre by offering a perspective that is more sensitive to the affected communities. Woman Walks Ahead also boasts impressive cinematography by Mike Eley, whose striking visuals illuminate the stark contrast between the natural beauty of the Plains and the violence and tension brewing within the territories.

Moreover, the movie's script is thoughtful and poetic, reflecting the emotionality and historical complexity of the characters' interactions. The interplay of image, narrative, and dialogue deals with the subjects of identity, power, freedom and assimilation, lending the film a resonating enchantment that persists long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, Woman Walks Ahead is not just a biography of a forgotten historical figure. It is an evocative period piece that successfully humanizes the members of a marginalized community and takes the viewers on a captivating voyage into America's not-so-distant past. The film offers a poignant exploration of art, friendship, activism, and above all, the complexities of colonial history, making it a must-watch for lovers of historical dramas and art films alike.