FEARLESS. FIERCE. FIRST.

A political biography that shares similarities with the recent Rustin. Both films are traditional, respectable but somewhat underwhelming in terms of emotional impact.

Both tell a story about civil rights icons that haven’t been frequently portrayed, in this case Shirley Chisholm and her attempt to become the Democratic presidential nominee in 1972 at a time when it seemed downright foolish of a Black woman to even entertain the idea.

And both movies are immensely aided by strong lead performances (Regina King is radiant) and a great, uplifting end-credit song. 

2024-U.S. 117 min. Color. Widescreen. Written and directed by John Ridley. Song: ”Why I’m Here” (performed by Samara Joy). Cast: Regina King (Shirley Chisholm), Lance Reddick (Wesley ”Mac” Holder), Terrence Howard (Arthur Hardwick, Jr.), Lucas Hedges, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson. 

Trivia: Co-produced by Ridley and King.