The Woman King Review: A rousing historical epic with great action and even better characters [TIFF]

Within the palace grounds of Dahomey, the women of the Agojie live fierce and free. The other peoples of the kingdom regard them as almost mythical; beings who are supernatural and who should not be looked at. But as Nanisca says, there is an evil growing outside the palace walls. The slave trade - in which even King Ghezo participates - is a scourge in Nanisca's eyes, even if it has contributed to making Dahomey very rich. Then there are the armed fighters of the Oyo Empire, led by a cruel slave trader general, played with real menace by Jimmy Odukoya. Nanisca warns of both the threat of the Oyo Empire and the evils of the slave trade, but her king is reluctant to change old familiar ways.

In the middle of it all comes Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a 19-year-old handed over to the Agojie after refusing to marry a man who hits her freely. Nawi is stubborn and brave, and she becomes our true main character, guiding us through the world of Agojie. To become one of them, Nawi - along with several other recruits - must undergo a rigorous boot camp-style training regimen, and that takes up the majority of "The Woman King". We watch as Nawi grows into a true warrior, while ensuring Nanisca is unhappy with her strong ways.

Nawi is taken under the wing of Private Agojie Izogie who guides her every step of the way and gives her fun tips. Izogie is played by Lashana Lynch, and in a cast full of heavy hitters, Lynch is the real star, turning Izogie into a funny, warm, yet still deadly presence who likes to drizzle whiskey and sharpen her claw nails. Every second she spends on screen is a treat and I wanted more from her. The camaraderie that forms between Nawi and Izogie is wonderful, and Mbdeu gives a breakout performance in the process, making us care deeply about Nawi and her story.