Cinephile № 836 “Bombshell”

Recommendation: 4/5 Stars, SHOWTIME

Plot: “A group of women take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.

Review: To fully understand the hyper-sexualized, venomous, and harassment filled environment of Roger Ailes’ Fox News, the fourth wall had to fall. This choice allows us to hear directly from Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron). It also affords a better understanding of the trauma experienced by Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie). To properly understand their story, this movie begins by painting a vivid picture of the environment created by Ailes, who he preferred to deliver news/opinion, and how he wanted them to dress. With this knowledge, we are fully prepared for the next chapter.

Megyn Kelly, at first, is hesitant about coming forward with her sexual harassment story. Gretchen Carlson is the first to go to the war against the network. It is her bravery that first exposes what some men with power assume is their right. By choosing to speak out, she makes no friends, but she does her part to add another voice to the movement proclaiming enough is enough. In order to truly move the needle forward, she needs others to join her cause.

Thanks to a culture of fear, Megyn and Kayla are rightly concerned about coming forward. Megyn is afraid her…