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I found this film to be very creative and moving. The cinematography and means by which the story is told is gorgeous. Ana is radiant in her portrayal and her performance is Oscar-worthy. Does it have some dark and gritty moments? Yes. And that's exactly what Hollywood can do to some people...especially those who don't know their own value as human beings. I think this film depicts all the facets of this complex women; she sparkled so brightly; yet she's a flawed, imperfect diamond. I can especially appreciate the bigger story contained in this film...Here we are in 2022--and women's rights to their own bodies are being denied--it makes this vulnerable, damaged woman's story just that much more poignant. We don't know if MM ever was sexually taken advantage of as depicted in this film--but Oates and these filmmakers got it right, in light of Weinstein's behavior...many, many women have paid a high price to be allowed a place at the table in Hollywood and other places. Some of the brightest and most talented women have come forward to share their stories...and those are just the brave ones whose names and faces we know. Be honest--if this story were centered around a no-name--would anybody pay attention? This is an homage to all the women who've been trivialized, marginalized and consumed then spit out by men; be it in the movie industry or at the hands of self-righteous (male) politicians or businessmen or presidents. It's not really just about Marilyn. But a lot of viewers, well...they just don't get it.

First, I am a fan of slower-moving, deeply engaging films that explore people's psyche. I am a huge fan of Olivia Coleman, who is on top of her game in this one. Jessie Buckley is luminous and heart-breaking as well (both women deserve nominations for their work.)

The story is fraught with tension and mystery...but it doesn't really ever explode or coalesce into a satisfying story for all that long, drawn-out tension. Most of the dialogue is quite good. Some of it makes zero sense. In a few spots, I had to go back and listen to it again because I thought I'd missed something or didn't understand what was happening (as in the scene between the caretaker and Colman at her apartment.) All of the actresses (including Dakota Johnson, who speaks in the same whispery, little-girl voice as her mother Melanie to interesting effect in his film) are exceedingly captivating to watch and their mystique is what kept me intrigued and staying with the story...but in the end, I felt cheated. Maggie Gyllenhaal's work as a director is Very Good, the Writing is Good. The real winners in this film are the actresses, who are brilliant.