Review: Bombshell

Content warning: discussion of workplace sexual harassment

Bombshell serves as a prequel to the Women’s March, the #MeToo Movement, the 2016 election, and the subsequent terrifying dystopian reality that we now find ourselves a part of. The movie is a window to the inner workings of the Fox News misinformation machine, a cult-like organization that was built on decades of fear-bait, misogyny, and racism with one man at its helm: Roger Ailes (portrayed by John Lithgow). Bombshell depicts the exposure of sexual harassment claims against Roger Ailes by women at Fox News, including hosts Megyn Kelly (portrayed by Charlize Theron) and Gretchen Carlson (portrayed by Nicole Kidman). Fox News newbie Kayla (portrayed by Margot Robbie) is sort of a conservative millennial everywoman who serves as a representative of the average powerless career climber at the network. 

The movie follows each woman as she processes her harassment and decides whether or not to go public with accusations or stay quiet and retain her position. At one point the audience even hears the inner monologue of a woman who is trying to navigate the safest way out of quid-pro-quo harassment from a potential employer, well aware that she risks her entire career by wounding his ego. These words were unfortunately shockingly familiar. These scenarios are so frustratingly commonplace. Yet, even while taking on this troubling and evocative subject matter, the movie manages to be entertaining, touching, and at times funny.

Kidman and Theron both delivered powerful and sensitive portrayals of their characters that fostered a surprising amount of empathy for their real-life counterparts (even racist white ladies have families). It hammers home the point that every institution of oppression is made up of individuals who, while not without mortal flaws, are not all entirely evil, who make decisions counter to their own self interest and sell off pieces of their identity and dignity in exchange for a slice of power, however small. Still, Bombshell has been heavily criticized for letting its main characters off the hook for their roles in sustaining the toxic culture of the Fox News regime. Although it is deeply important that these stories reach a large audience, Bombshell missed an opportunity to be hard-hitting. Just like its protagonists, it sacrifices radical change for mainstream accessibility. And just like Fox News, it is very white. It cannot be denied that although Gretchen Carlson and Megyn Kelly were brave for coming forward, they are much more privileged than most other women in the workforce. 

The movie closes with the removal of Roger Ailes from leadership and a speech from Rupert Murdoch (portrayed by Malcolm McDowell) who assures everyone they can return to business as usual. The irony of this is so subtle that it’s almost lost. In the end, Ailes’ removal, while symbolic, failed to dismantle the structure of a workplace culture that is imbued with sexism. Still, by coming forward with their stories, a few women were able to bring the everyday reality of sexual harassment a little bit further out of the shadows and into the mainstream conversation. While Bombshell may not be the sledgehammer to the glass ceiling that some would like it to be, it is a good start. And, hey, it passes the Bechdel Test!