Call Jane ends with a symbolic act that marks the end of the Jane Collective’s operations. The women burn their “help call” cards, celebrating their contributions to women’s rights.
Call Jane is a drama set in the 1960s. It tells the story of the Jane Collective, an underground network that provided safe abortions when it was illegal in the U.S. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival and was released in the U.S. on October 28, 2022.
Joy’s Journey
The story follows Joy, a suburban housewife. She learns her second pregnancy is life-threatening. Denied an abortion by her hospital’s all-male board, she turns to the Jane Collective. This group, led by Virginia, takes risks to help women get safe abortions. Joy starts as a client but soon becomes an active member. She helps other women, showing her transformation from a passive housewife to an advocate for women’s rights.
The film highlights the challenges and dangers faced by the Jane Collective. They operate in secrecy, always at risk of being caught. Joy’s involvement grows, and she becomes more committed to the cause. Her journey is a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right.
The Climactic Interrogation
Towards the end, Joy faces scrutiny. A police detective visits her home, raising suspicions about the group’s activities. Joy denies any association with the group. The detective then reveals he needs help for someone seeking the Jane Collective’s services. This twist shows the widespread desperation for safe abortions. Even those in law enforcement recognize the need for the Jane Collective’s work.
This moment underscores the lengths people would go to secure safe abortions. It also highlights the moral complicatedities faced by those involved in the Jane Collective. They are not just breaking the law; they are saving lives.
Joy’s Family Dynamics
Joy’s daughter, Charlotte, discovers her mother’s secret. Despite Joy’s offer to explain, Charlotte refuses. She wants to remain ignorant about the harsh realities, including “babies dying”. This moment shows the generational and ideological divide between Joy and her daughter. It adds complicatedity to Joy’s character and her motivations.
The film explores the impact of Joy’s involvement on her family. Her relationship with her daughter becomes strained. Charlotte’s refusal to understand her mother’s actions reflects the broader societal divide on the issue of abortion.
The Jane Collective’s Legacy
Over five years, the Jane Collective helps millions of women. Joy eventually leaves the group but continues to support them financially. The group’s activities stop after the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973, which legalized abortion in the U.S. This legal victory makes the Jane Collective obsolete, but their legacy endures.
The film shows the impact of the Jane Collective’s work. They played a crucial role in providing safe abortions when it was illegal. Their efforts paved the way for the legalization of abortion, highlighting the importance of their work.
Symbolic Closure
In the final scene, the women burn all the “help call” cards they received. This act marks the end of their operations and celebrates their contributions to women’s rights. The scene is hopeful and bittersweet, reflecting the ongoing struggles for women’s rights in a polarized world.
The burning of the cards symbolizes the end of an era. It is a powerful moment that underscores the significance of the Jane Collective’s work. Their legacy lives on, reminding us of the importance of compassion and collective action.
Critical Reception
Call Jane received favorable reviews. It has an 82% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 62 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics praised Elizabeth Banks’ performance and the film’s handling of a controversial topic. However, some felt the film did not delve deeply enough into the complicatedities of the issue.
The film’s reception highlights its strengths and weaknesses. While it effectively tells the story of the Jane Collective, it sometimes glosses over the broader socio-political context. Despite this, it remains a powerful and relevant film.
Analysis and Opinion
Call Jane is a poignant film that sheds light on a critical chapter in American history. It humanizes the women involved in the Jane Collective, portraying them as courageous and compassionate. Elizabeth Banks delivers a compelling performance as Joy.
However, the film has its shortcomings. It often glosses over the broader socio-political context of the era. The pacing is uneven, and some subplots feel underdeveloped. Despite these flaws, Call Jane remains a powerful and relevant film, especially in light of recent developments in reproductive rights.
Conclusion
Call Jane offers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of the Jane Collective. Its ending, marked by the symbolic burning of the “help call” cards, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight for women’s rights. While the film may not delve deeply into the complicatedities of the issue, it succeeds in bringing a crucial story to the forefront.
