Cast:
Viola DavisVeronica Rawlings
Michelle RodriguezLinda
Elizabeth DebickiAlice
Cynthia ErivoBelle
Colin FarrellJack Mulligan
Robert DuvallTom Mulligan
Director:
Steve McQueen
Widows (2018): Spoiler-Free Review
Widows is Steve McQueen’s 2018 heist drama about four women who finish their husbands’ last job. It combines a tight thriller plot with politics and grief.
The Premise
Four women in Chicago lose their husbands during a heist that goes wrong. Veronica (Viola Davis) learns that her dead husband left a huge debt to a crime boss. She recruits the other widows to carry out a robbery he had planned.
Why It Works
- Viola Davis leads a strong ensemble of women.
- McQueen mixes a heist plot with politics, race and grief.
- Gillian Flynn co-wrote the script, and it shows in the sharp turns.
- The film is based on a 1983 British TV series.
At a Glance
- Director: Steve McQueen
- Writers: Steve McQueen and Gillian Flynn
- Cast: Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, Cynthia Erivo, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, Daniel Kaluuya
- Setting: Chicago
Verdict
A smart, tense heist drama that is about much more than the robbery. Its cast is superb.
- Who should watch: Fans of heist films and character dramas.
- Spoilers: none. We never reveal the twist in this review.
Frequently Asked Questions About:
"Widows"
Is Widows based on a TV series?
Yes. It is based on a British series from 1983 by Lynda La Plante.
Who wrote Widows?
Steve McQueen and Gillian Flynn wrote the screenplay.
Is Widows an action film?
It has action, but it is mainly a drama with heist thrills.
Last updated: November, 2026
– Film details and cast information checked.
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