Hidden Figures Brings Heroes From The Shadow To The Spotlight
Hidden Figures
- Stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe
- In theaters January 6, 2017
- PG
- Drama/Based on a true story
Hidden Figures is truly an impressive film to behold. While award seasons may bring forth a large amount of based-on-a-true-story features, this one stands out above the rest.
Henson, Spencer and Monáe portray three incredibly talented and intelligent African-American women who played pivotal roles in the NASA space program in the 1960s. And the women do the roles justice in ways that will stick with you after the film is long over.
The real-life tale brings stories to life with equal parts tears, laughter and suspense as very real things - such as racism and the space race - are brought to the forefront. The drama plays out in a very natural way, taking turns when it's least expected and not forcing issues where there shouldn't be.
The three leads play off each other beautifully, with Henson having a quiet power that grows into a serious confidence, Monáe displaying a level of sass and charm as a perfect balance and Spencer performing her role with a level-headed sense of determination.
Clearly, after watching the film, it's a tale that needs to be told. The story both impresses and tugs at the heartstrings and paints a portrait of three women who worked quietly and patiently through struggles to overcome some intense obstacles.
If it's possible to leave this movie without being inspired to take on the world, well, honestly I doubt that.