Tell It Like a Woman 2023

Art & Craft

The film’s art and craft are generally subpar, with amateurish editing and low-budget cinematography that undermine its visual credibility. Critics note poor CGI, inconsistent lighting, and occasional jarring audio dubbing, suggesting a lack of polished production design. While one short showcases beautiful cinematography and a resonant soundtrack, this exception does not offset the prevalent technical shortcomings. Overall, the technical execution detracts from the anthology’s potential.

Character & Emotion

Character work is uneven across the anthology, oscillating between notable performances and flat portrayals. Jennifer Hudson's acting is highlighted as a high point, and Marcia Gay Harden receives praise for her contribution. However, many shorts feature simplistic, choppy acting, limited emotional depth, and weak chemistry, reducing audience investment. The disparity between standout moments and pervasive shallow characterization results in a generally weak character impression.

Story & Flow

Storytelling lacks coherence and depth, with most shorts presenting simplistic, padded plots that fail to engage. Several narratives are described as anticlimactic, disjointed, and devoid of substantive progression, undermining thematic resonance. A solitary exception, a warmly received short about a Japanese single mother, offers modest narrative competence. Nonetheless, the overarching lack of originality and narrative structure lowers the overall story rating.

Sensory Experience

The sensory experience is mixed, featuring occasional visual flair and a commendable soundtrack in isolated shorts, contrasted by largely amateurish visual style and erratic sound design elsewhere. Repetitive use of the nominated song and inconsistent cinematographic quality create a fragmented auditory-visual landscape. While brief moments of effective sensory composition exist, the overall execution remains uneven and detracts from immersion.

Rewatch Factor

Rewatch factor is limited due to the anthology’s overall forgettable nature. Most shorts fail to leave lasting impressions or memorable scenes, leading to viewer detachment and impatience. A few segments generate intrigue or emotional resonance, yet they are insufficient to encourage repeat viewings. Consequently, the film offers low replay value and minimal lasting appeal for most audiences.