Clever, very clever Sharon and it works. My only suggestion would be to lose the highlight on the LHS. For me, it would increase the impact considerably. Like the gritty processing as well.
I agree with everything John mentioned. I would also tone down the light area on the right side of the background to ensure that its brightest tones are not as bright as the brightest tones on the woman's face. You can double check that by opening the Curve tool and holding the mouse over each area while watching the Curve graph.
Great subject. As is the case with most of my posts, my comments relate to composition. The bright area on the left hand side of the image creates a distraction. Perhaps a portrait crop through about 1/2 of the foreground person could resolve this. This would place the lady in the left third of the image and create a space to the right where her gaze and hand are pointing, thus engaging the viewer more strongly.
Different to what I usual expect when peeking at your photographs. Rollin's crop is an alternative more traditional composition but I do enjoy the space you have provided even if the crop is a little less usual. The space seems to enhance the dismissive detachment in the woman's expression.