On the Basis of Sex

On the surface, 'On the Basis of Sex' presents a compelling biopic about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's early years. However, while the film shines a light on an important cause, it often struggles to find a balance between dramatic storytelling and legal exposition.

A Landmark Legal Battle

The film chronicles the journey of young lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Felicity Jones) as she teams up with her husband, Martin Ginsburg (Armie Hammer), to tackle a landmark case of gender discrimination. Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, the narrative showcases their legal battle in the U.S. Court of Appeals, which aims to challenge a century of sex discrimination. As Ruth navigates the male-dominated legal landscape, she encounters both personal and professional hurdles, all while pushing for equality and justice. The story is rooted in real events, making it a significant historical drama, but it doesn’t shy away from the emotional stakes involved.

Performances That Shine Through

Felicity Jones delivers a commendable performance as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, embodying her tenacity and intellect quite well. Armie Hammer, as Martin Ginsburg, provides a solid support, although his character could have been fleshed out more to highlight their partnership. Kathy Bates shines in her role as Dorothy Kenyon, but her screen time is disappointingly limited, leaving viewers wanting more. The ensemble cast is competent, yet some characters are underdeveloped, which detracts from the overall impact of the film’s emotional moments. It's a missed opportunity to explore the depth of Ginsburg's relationships and struggles.

Straightforward Direction, Basic Visuals

Mimi Leder’s direction steers the film towards a straightforward retelling of events without much stylistic flair. The visuals are clean and professional, but they lack the dynamism that could elevate the narrative. The courtroom scenes are adequately tense, though they sometimes feel overly didactic, as if the film is more concerned with teaching than engaging. While the production design effectively captures the essence of the era, the pacing falters, especially in the second act, where the film sometimes drags. A tighter edit could have enhanced the film's overall impact.

Inspiration with a Side of Boredom

Watching 'On the Basis of Sex' feels like fluctuating between moments of genuine inspiration and occasional boredom. The core message of empowerment and equality rings true, but the film often feels like it's preaching to the choir, leaving little room for surprise or emotional depth. There are moments of frustration, especially when the pacing slows and the film veers into exposition-heavy territory. While it has its uplifting scenes, the film doesn't fully capitalize on the emotional weight of Ginsburg's struggles against societal expectations. The emotional highs are there, but they’re somewhat diluted by the film's structural issues.