The Woman King (2022) is an epic historical action-drama directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, starring Viola Davis, Thuso Mbedu, Lashana Lynch, and John Boyega. The film is inspired by true events and tells the story of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit that defended the Kingdom of Dahomey (present-day Benin) in the 19th century. Plot Summary: Set in the 1820s, The Woman King follows Nanisca (Viola Davis), a fierce general of the Agojie, as she leads and trains a new generation of warriors to protect the kingdom from external threats, including rival tribes and European colonizers involved in the transatlantic slave trade.
Young recruit Nawi (Thuso Mbedu) becomes a central figure in the story as she faces rigorous training and learns the values of bravery, loyalty, and self-discovery under Nanisca’s guidance. With the kingdom under threat, Nanisca and her warriors fight to protect their people and culture, confronting both enemies and the complexities of their own society. Through strategic battles and personal sacrifices, Nanisca emerges as a symbol of strength and resilience, defending Dahomey’s freedom and shaping the course of history.
