Based on the true events that took place in The Kingdom of Dahomey, one of the most powerful West African states in the 18th and 19th centuries, The Woman King tells the story of Nanisca (Viola Davis), general of the all-female military unit known as the Amazons, and her daughter Nawi (Thuso Mbedu), who together fought the French and neighboring tribes who violated their honor, enslaved their people, and threatened to destroy everything they've lived for.