A Reel Review: BOMBSHELL

Much like the TV news business, Hollywood is always in a rush to be first; historical events that just happened a few years back are pushed and pushed hard to get to the big screen as soon as possible. These efforts can be good or ugly, and sometimes that rush can be felt on screen. Such is the case for Jay Roach’s BOMBSHELL. 

Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), files a sexual harassment suit against News President Roger Ailes (John Lithgow), after she is fired. Her suit has ripple effects on everyone in the newsroom, including fellow anchor Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), and newcomer Kayla (Margot Robbie). 

BOMBSHELL is rightfully treated as the origin story for the MeToo movement, which has ousted many men of power who used that power to sexually harass women. The stakes and the pressure are high; when Carlson files her suit, she is need of other women to come forward to support her story. This makes life difficult for Kelly who was once harassed herself by Ailes, and for Kayla who is career-minded but also willing to do whatever takes (with Ailes) to move up the ladder. 

It’s the story of three women living and working through a tumultuous time at Fox News and eventually the entire entertainment industry. It’s an important topic, but the script just seems to be in a big damn hurry to get from point to point. Characters are not characters as much as waypoints, and the pressures of the situation don’t seem to get to them very much. If this movie was rushed into production, it certainly shows. 

Jay Roach’s direction is sharp and keeps the story moving, with bits of humor nicely timed. The seriousness of the lawsuit and how it could affect people’s jobs feels downplayed, and the plight of women vs. powerful men who act like baboons feels like it could have been taken more seriously. BOMBSHELL clicks along just fine with little to no flaws, but at under two hours it feels truncated. 

Performances are magnificent. Charlize Theron nails her real-life counterparts voice and mannerisms perfectly, as does Nicole Kidman and John Lithgow. Margot Robbie’s character is a composite/made-up person, but her performance is very good. The real surprise comes from Kate McKinnon, who plays a Fox news producer and lesbian and friend to Kayla. McKinnon finally shows some dramatic chops and does very well. The rest of the cast is excellent; Mark Duplass, Allison Janney, Malcolm McDowell, Alice Eve, Richard Kind, and Jennifer Morrison. 

By the time BOMBSHELL ends, there’s a bit of a “that’s it?” feeling, as it lacks the depth to really hit the emotional beats. It’s functional and entertaining, but it’s just a shame it was in such a big hurry to get to the end. 

BOTTOM LINE: Rent it