The African kingdom of Dahomey, 1823. General Nanisca leads the Agojie, an all-female group of warriors. A young woman named Nawi is taken in as an Agojie recruit, but it soon becomes clear Nanisca has a surprise connection with the new arrival. Meanwhile, Dahomey’s King Ghezo looks to make sweeping changes to the way the kingdom does business. But war is brewing with a rival empire involved in the slave trade…

The Woman King is an epic historical action film that harks back to films like Gladiator and Braveheart, albeit with a very welcome change in setting and perspective. It’s a story that soars thanks to a fierce lead performance from Viola Davis and assured turns from a supremely talented supporting cast.

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood | 135 mins | Cert 15A