Women Talking, a drama written and directed by Sarah Polley, heads to Prime Video on August 1, 2026. Adapted from Miriam Toews’ novel, the film brings together Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, Jessie Buckley, Judith Ivey, Ben Whishaw, Frances McDormand and Sheila McCarthy.
In a secluded religious community, several women come together after a string of assaults that has upended their everyday lives. With the leaders temporarily away, they have only a few hours to decide their future. Three paths lie before them: do nothing and stay as they are, leave the community, or stay and try to reform the rules that govern it.
Built almost entirely around the exchanges between its characters, Women Talking foregrounds the debates, the disagreements and the moral questions. Sarah Polley stages a claustrophobic chamber drama in which generations square off against their beliefs, their fears and their vision of justice, in a narrative centered on solidarity, forgiveness and emancipation.
Debuting in competition during the 2023 awards season, the film took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay, honoring Sarah Polley's deft adaptation of Miriam Toews's novel. Its ensemble performance was also lauded, notably the work of Rooney Mara, Claire Foy, and Jessie Buckley.
Women Talking speaks to fans of intimate dramas, auteur cinema, and literary adaptations. Its approach prioritizes dialogue and human dilemmas over action, inviting reflection on power, responsibility, and rebuilding.
To go further, also check out our guide to the August 2026 Prime Video releases, our selection of streaming releases across all platforms, and our guide What to watch today in streaming.
