Rebecca Lenkiewicz, the screenwriter behind the film She Said, had the opportunity to personally connect with several women who accused Harvey Weinstein during the film’s production. This Universal Pictures drama paints the real-life journey of New York Times journalists, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, and how their groundbreaking 2017 article spearheaded the #MeToo movement.
Describing her meetings with these women, Lenkiewicz felt they were profoundly moving. She shared with MovieMaker, “I spent several hours with each of them – Laura [Madden] in Wales and both Rowena [Chiu] and Zelda [Perkins] in London. Our discussions were expansive.” She emphasized how she chose to discuss the aftermath of the incidents rather than the incidents themselves. Lenkiewicz reflected on the pervasive nature of trauma, highlighting how people often misconstrue trauma as short-lived when, in reality, its effects can be long-lasting and deeply ingrained.
Lenkiewicz’s commitment to the project was rooted in personal understanding. “I felt an innate connection to the story. I’ve heard terrifying tales and have been close to people with similar experiences,” she remarked, clarifying that none of her experiences were associated with Weinstein. “Considering the vast number of women who have endured such experiences, I felt both challenged and honored to pen this story,” she added.
The film She Said stars Zoe Kazan and Carey Mulligan, portraying Kantor and Twohey respectively, as they unearth the story that shook not only Hollywood but also empowered countless working women globally. The movie is inspired by Kantor and Twohey’s book, which delves into their investigations on Weinstein. The aftermath of these revelations led to Weinstein’s conviction for third-degree rape and criminal sexual conduct. Currently incarcerated for a 23-year term, he continues to reject the allegations.
Rebecca Lenkiewicz, a renowned British playwright known for works such as Her Naked Skin, initiated the screenplay for She Said even before Kantor and Twohey’s book was released. “Before receiving the book chapters, I extensively interacted with Megan Twohey and Jodie Kantor in New York, even visiting their homes. This gave me a comprehensive perspective,” she expressed. Lenkiewicz wanted the film to be deeply rooted in female perspectives, balancing stellar investigative journalism with the varied layers of women’s experiences.
The movie provides an impactful and authentic depiction of the challenges women face in hostile work environments marked by sexual harassment. While certain personal exchanges in the film were crafted for storytelling, Lenkiewicz mentions, “Around 95% of the film aligns with the book, but of course, they’re distinct entities.”
She Said is currently screening in cinemas.