The reproductive rights drama hits incredibly close to home.
It’s 1968, during the Vietnam War, a time when the city of Chicago and the nation are on the brink of complete chaos. It’s also a time when women are not federally protected to get an abortion. Sound familiar? Based on true events, the drama is inspired by an underground collective known as “The Janes” that helps facilitate abortions during a time when they are illegal. The controversy surrounding abortion is not new, but with the recent overturn of Roe v. Wade, the film hits especially close to home.
Here’s the official synopsis:
Chicago, 1968. As the city and the nation are poised on the brink of political upheaval, suburban housewife Joy (Elizabeth Banks) leads an ordinary life with her husband and daughter. When Joy’s pregnancy leads to a life-threatening heart condition, she must navigate an all-male medical establishment unwilling to terminate her pregnancy in order to save her life. Her journey for a solution leads her to Virginia (Sigourney Weaver), an independent visionary fiercely committed to women’s health, and Gwen (Wunmi Mosaku), an activist who dreams of a day when all women will have access to abortion, regardless of their ability to pay. Joy is so inspired by their work, she decides to join forces with them, putting every aspect of her life on the line.
Directed by Academy Award nominee Phyllis Nagy, the film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival when, at the time, abortions in the US were still federally protected. Call Jane premieres in theaters on October 28. Watch the trailer below, and if you want to learn more about The Janes before the film, check out the documentary that also premiered at Sundance this year.
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