There are several themes woven throughout the narrative. Matriarchy vs. Patriarchy is an obvious one as it lies at the center of both the crimes men commit against the women, and the women determining what they’re going to do before the men return.

When I hosted a post-screening Q&A with Sarah Polley, I asked her about this dynamic. She said that she thought of the movie more as a pro-matriarchy story rather than anti-patriarchy.

Which leads me to what is perhaps a more emotionally uplifting theme: Communication.

Here’s a side of dialogue from the movie’s narrator, young Autje: “We didn't talk about our bodies. So when something like this happened there was no language for it. And without language for it, there was a gaping silence. And in that gaping silence was the real horror.”

When the women vote, then gather in the barn to discuss and debate what to do – stay and fight, or leave – what they do for much of Act One and all of Act Two is talk. They communicate. As it turns out, as well as they know each other, they discover there’s a lot they don’t know. Part of the patriarchal power is to limit the women’s opportunity, even ability to communicate. After all, they don’t even know how to write or read.

Through their act of communication, talking honestly and openly with each other, facing harsh truths and divided opinions, they eventually come to a consensus. The very act of talking to and with each other, their communications helps to forge a greater sense of community.

Communication. Community.

That is a key theme in Women Talking.

Tomorrow: Dialogue.