More character study than political commentary, Call Jane creates a solid, engaging fiction within the confines of a genuine politic.
The termination of a pregnancy that threatens the life of a 40+ year old married woman is rejected by the board of the local hospital. Joy (Elizabeth Banks – The Hunger Games, The Beanie Bubble), the wife of lawyer Will (Chris Messina – Argo, Air), is reluctantly forced to explore alternatives. This is not America of today but late 1960s – and Joy’s enquiries lead her to the illegal Call Jane organisation, headed by Virginia (Sigourney Weaver – Alien, Avatar). As she becomes more and more involved with the women, so Joy finds herself moving in unexpected directions.
Quietly allowing the narrative to unfold, director Phyllis Nagy (TV movie Mrs Harris) presents as is the story and the organisation’s early history. There’s few bells and whistles but plenty to cheer about with its female empowerment and a confidant performance from Elizabeth Banks, too often cast in the kookie roles of The Hunger Games and Pitch Perfect and their like.
Rating: 59%
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