Watch Woman Walks Ahead

The movie Woman Walks Ahead from 2017 is a historical drama film based on the life of Catherine Weldon, a 19th-century artist and activist who traveled to the Dakota Territory to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull, the Lakota Sioux leader, and became involved in the struggle for Native American rights. The film stars Jessica Chastain as Catherine Weldon, a widowed New York artist who is inspired by Sitting Bull's story and decides to travel to North Dakota to meet him in person. She is determined to paint his portrait and learn more about the Lakota culture and history. She faces many challenges along the way, including cultural barriers, gender biases, and the hostility of the U.S. Army and local officials who see her as a threat to their authority.

Louisa Krause plays Caroline Weldon, Catherine's Native American guide and translator, who helps her navigate the unfamiliar terrain and tries to protect her from harm. Caroline is also struggling with her own identity and loyalty, torn between her Lakota heritage and her close relationship with the white woman.

Boots Southerland plays Captain Silas Groves, the local government agent who is tasked with keeping Sitting Bull and his people under control and preventing any rebellion or uprising. He sees Catherine as a troublemaker and tries to intimidate her and stop her from meeting with Sitting Bull.

As Catherine and Sitting Bull get to know each other, they develop a mutual respect and understanding, based on their shared love of art, nature, and freedom. Catherine learns about the harsh realities of Native American life, including the loss of their lands and traditions, and becomes passionate about their cause. She decides to use her artwork and her connections to advocate for their rights and raise awareness about their plight.

The movie has a strong feminist and anti-colonial message, highlighting the importance of diversity, tolerance, and empathy in a society that is often dominated by violence and greed. It also showcases the power of art as a means of communication and expression, as well as the role of women as agents of change and catalysts for social justice.

The film was directed by Susanna White, written by Steven Knight, and produced by Black Bicycle Entertainment, Bedford Falls Company, and Potboiler Productions. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2017 and received positive reviews for its powerful performances, beautiful cinematography, and thought-provoking themes.

Overall, Woman Walks Ahead is a compelling and inspiring movie that sheds light on a forgotten chapter of American history and celebrates the resilience and dignity of a marginalized community. It is a timely and relevant reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality and justice in our society, and a tribute to the human spirit and the power of love and compassion.

Woman Walks Ahead is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 51.