Woman, Thou Art Loosed

Both the external and internal demons of a young African-American woman’s past may also destroy her future in this blemished but potent film adaptation of Bishop T.D. Jakes’ novel and stage play. Bishop Jakes hopes the emphasis on realism rather than idealism will stretch interest in this Christianity-fueled film beyond its obvious audience base. This story of a horrific crime perpetrated against a child in her own home portrays the fear, shame, denial, bitterness, injustice, downhill spirals and opportunities for regeneration that follow the young lady as she slips into adulthood and the abyss of drugs, prostitution and prison. The lack of sugarcoated messages strips down the relevance of the church in today’s messy world to a bare-bones look at human explosion and implosion, the domino effect of violence, predation, humiliation, secrecy and hypocrisy. Directed by Michael Schultz (Car Wash, Which Way Is Up and Busting Loose).