Women Talking Dirty

The film opens in 2010, with Ona waking up to find her thighs bruised and bloodied, indicating she had been raped. The narrative reveals that women in the Mennonite colony have been drugged and sexually abused by the men for years. The colony faces the aftermath of these revelations and the beginning of a heated debate about their future.

The attacking men are arrested and taken to a nearby city, where they are expected to return in two days. They give the women an ultimatum: forgive them and stay in the colony or leave and be denied entry to Heaven. This sets the stage for the women’s difficult choices moving forward.

The women hold a vote on how to proceed—doing nothing, fighting, or leaving the colony. They lean towards fighting or leaving, weighing the dangers and pros of each option. Nine women gather in the hayloft to decide on their future, reflecting the gravity of their decision.

The women discuss whether to forgive the men and try to rebuild their community or leave altogether. Ona proposes forging new rules and education systems, but others dismiss this as unrealistic. They also debate whether all men are guilty of complicity.

The women observe Melvin, a male who dressed as Nettie and took a vow of silence after being attacked and impregnated. He now cares for the children and warns the women of outside threats. Other men like Klaas are expected to return soon to collect bail money.

A van passes by, playing 'Daydream Believer,' for the 2010 census, signaling the impending return of Klaas, Mariche’s husband. This arrival intensifies the women’s discussions about their options and potential dangers from within the community.

The women grapple with emotional and physical pain, with Salome caring for her daughter Miep who has been attacked recently. August privately talks to Ona about his feelings for her, but she is hesitant about marriage or staying in the colony.

The women discuss leaving the colony, acknowledging the uncertainties outside. August offers them a map for navigation. Ona becomes more receptive to the idea, but others experience panic and doubt about venturing into the unknown.

That night, the women gather supplies and prepare to leave, with August showing Ona how to navigate using the North Star. Mariche appears with injuries, hinting at domestic violence from Klaas, and the group quietly plans their escape.

At sunrise, the women gather in the hayloft, singing hymns and readying their belongings. Salome retrieves weapons for defense, and August softly says farewell. Salome reassures him, and they prepare to leave the colony behind.

The women depart their colony in carriages, leaving behind their old lives to seek a new future. The community’s story begins anew as they journey into the unknown, determined to forge a different life beyond oppression.

The film ends with Autje narrating the story to Ona’s baby, promising that the child's future will be different from theirs. This closing scene emphasizes hope and the possibility of change for the next generation.