The drama Call Jane, starring Sigourney Weaver and Elizabeth Banks, now has a trailer thanks to the folks at Roadside Attractions. The film, which is based on actual events, follows a group of women in the late 1960s who form a support network for other women seeking an abortion. Naturally, their stance sparked controversy, but it also gave rise to new groups willing to act in defiance of sexist laws.
The premiere of the film is scheduled for late October. The teaser boasts that Call Jane has made it onto the lineup of prestigious events like Sundance and Berlin. The subject is explored in detail, highlighting the reality that many women face significant barriers when deciding to terminate a pregnancy, with the experience being especially challenging for Black women. The “Jane” in the title is not a specific person but a metaphor for aid extended to women in need. The movie takes place more than 50 years ago, so it’s not like abortion laws and controversy are brand new topics, but if you’ve been paying attention to the news over the past few months, you’ll know that Call Jane arrives at a pivotal point in modern history.
Call Jane’s premiere isn’t happening at this time by accident, though; it’s timed to coincide with the beginning of award season, which will ensure that the show is discussed for a longer length of time. Phyllis Nagy, who wrote and directed Mrs Harris about an abusive relationship with a tragic ending, and wrote the screenplay of Carol about a woman who had to bury her feelings deep down because of the time she lived in, is the director of Call Jane and has no problem exposing how badly women have been treated by history. Hayley Schore and Roshan Sethi, who also co-created the hit medical drama The Resident, wrote the screenplay for Call Jane.
In addition to Weaver and Banks, the ensemble also includes Wunmi Mosaku, Kate Mara, Cory Michael Smith, Grace Edwards, and John Magaro. On October 28th, Call Jane will make its debut in cinemas.
Synopsis
This was in Chicago in 1968. Joy (Elizabeth Banks) is a suburban housewife living a normal life with her husband and kid while the city and the nation teetering on the verge of political turmoil. Due to her pregnancy, Joy has a life-threatening cardiac problem, and she must deal with an all-male medical institution that refuses to abort the pregnancy in order to save her life. On her search for a remedy, she meets Virginia (Sigourney Weaver), a free-thinking visionary who is deeply invested in women’s health, and Gwen (Wunmi Mosaku), a passionate activist who hopes that one day all women, regardless of their financial situation, would have access to abortion. After being moved by their efforts, Joy resolves to join forces with them, risking everything for the cause.