Is The Woman King on Netflix? Is It Based on a Real-life Story?

By Muskan Last updated Feb 19, 2023

On September 9, 2022, The Woman King had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. On September 16, 2022, Sony Pictures Distribution put the movie in theatres in the US.

Following its festival premiere, the movie garnered favorable reviews from critics, who praised Viola Davis’s performance and the action choreography. Still, historians and general audiences had a more divided opinion, viewing it as an effort at historical misrepresentation.

The movie was nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Acting Ensemble, Best Director, and Best Actress for Davis at the 28th Critics’ Choice Awards. Moreover, Davis received nominations for Best Actress at the NAACP Image Awards, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA Film Awards, and Golden Globes.

Take a Look at This Handy “The Woman King” Fact Sheet

Title	The Woman King
Directed by	Gina Prince-Bythewood
Screenplay by	Dana Stevens
Story by	Maria Bello Dana Stevens
Cinematography	Polly Morgan
Release Dates	September 9, 2022 (TIFF) September 16, 2022 (United States)
Language	English
Countries	United States

Is The Woman King on Netflix?

Netflix is currently streaming The Woman King. The movie was added to the streaming service on February 16, 2023. We are confident that it will be a tremendous success on the streaming service. It won’t take long to appear on the Netflix Top 10 movies list!

The Woman King is a Sony production rather than a Netflix original. Fortunately, a partnership between Netflix and Sony allows new films like The Woman King to be available on the streaming site several months after they have been shown in theatres.

For her part in the movie, Davis was nominated for a Golden Globe, which will undoubtedly be included in our most recent list of the top Netflix films.

Is the Woman King Based on a Real-life Story?

The Agojie was a real warrior unit who were crucial in defending the Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful African states at the time. The Woman King is based on actual historical events.

The name Nanisca may have derived from a story about a French naval officer who spotted a young recruit named Nanisca on a tour to Dahomey, but the character of Nanisca is not based on a true historical figure.

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Furthermore, Nanisca is shown in the movie as a leader who opposes slavery, even though the economy of the Kingdom of Dahomey was based on slavery.

Review For “The Woman King”

There is the Andrea Riseborough dispute, which resulted in the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag because the effort to get her nominated prevented Viola Davis from being considered for Best Actress at the Oscars.

The plot primarily revolves around the lives of two women: Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), a young woman who decides to join the Agojie rather than being compelled into a marriage with an abusive palm-oil farmer, and Nanisca (Viola Davis), the head of the West African Agojie, elite female soldiers who defend the Dahomey tribe.

Ghezo (Jon Boyega), the young and recently installed king of Dahomey, must contend with the Oyo Empire, a rival and expanding tribe that outnumbers Dahomey by a ratio of two to one.

Big Studio Money has created a period piece set in West Africa that isn’t afraid to expose slavery, the heinous deeds of white men in the continent, and Africans ruling, coexisting and engaging in violent conflict with one another without the story being driven by non-Africans.

Even though none of the actresses in The Woman King have received nominations, the costumes and sets are Oscar-worthy. The Woman King’s clothing, garrulous performance by Lashana Lynch, and celebration of Dahomey traditions all contribute to the film’s beauty. The understated part of Nanisca, played by Viola Davis, plays to her abilities.

The movie’s somewhat predictable plot could have or should have left viewers speechless, but this is a cautious handling of a missed chance. The Woman King is effective when viewed as a more serious action film. There are performances here that are vibrant and lively, and the set and costume designs add an equal amount of color. We cannot, however, dispute that anyone familiar with the historical facts would find the final act’s heroic heel turn to be infuriating.

Trailer For “The Woman King”

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the Woman King Filmed in Africa?

Although it appears to be set in west Africa, it was shot in the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape in South Africa.

Is the Woman King a Worthwhile Film?

The Woman King functions admirably. The action is harsh, visceral, and endlessly entertaining, with excellent staging. One of the best popcorn movies of 2022, this one is incredibly entertaining and engaging.

The Woman King is Based on Who, Exactly?

The Agojie, an all-female military unit that guarded the West African kingdom of Dahomey from the 17th to the 19th century, is the subject of the 2022 American epic historical action drama film The Woman King.