The Woman King (2022)

“We are the spear of victory.”

Join Ian & Liam for our 334th episode as we march into battle, confront history, and revisit Gina Prince-Bythewood’s epic The Woman King (2022). Megs isn’t with us this week — she’s reportedly been recruited into military service and informed us that podcasting now ranks somewhere below her training and defending the kingdom. Kev? He attempted to negotiate a peace treaty with a rival podcast and accidentally got himself appointed as a trade envoy. We wish them both luck.

Later, we’re joined for The Endgame by BFF of the BFE: Juleen, who helps us unpack the film’s legacy, historical context, and emotional impact.

This week we discuss:

• Viola Davis’ commanding performance — fierce, disciplined, and deeply human. Is this one of the great action-drama performances of the modern era?
• The balance between history and storytelling — where does the film take liberties, and what responsibilities come with doing so?
• Ian shares some exciting casting news — as he finds out the result of an audition while simultaneously trying out for a second production.
• The action sequences — visceral, kinetic, and grounded. How does the film distinguish itself from other historical epics?
• Liam explores the film’s treatment of leadership — strength, sacrifice, and the burden of responsibility.
• Ian makes what may be his most unexpected comparison yet — drawing a connection between The Woman King and The Notebook that somehow makes more sense than it should.
• The supporting cast — who stands out alongside Viola Davis, and which relationships give the story its emotional core?
• We discuss the passing of Anthony Head — reflecting on a career that touched everything from cult television to stage productions and beyond.
• The “show vs tell” balance — does the film trust its audience enough, or does it occasionally over-explain its themes?
• Juleen joins us for The Endgame — bringing perspective on the film’s historical representation, emotional resonance, and where it sits among modern epics.
• The ending — triumphant, bittersweet, or something in between? What does victory actually look like in this story?
• And finally, whether The Woman King is the Best Film Ever — or one of the most compelling historical dramas of the last decade.

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Massive thanks to Lex Van Den Berghe for the use of Mistake by Luckydog. Catch more from Lex's new band, The Maids of Honor, at https://soundcloud.com/themaidsofhonor

Also, massive thanks to Moonlight Social for our age game theme song. You can catch more from them at https://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/