Hidden Figures (2016)

Genre: Biographical / Drama

Directed by: Theodore Melfi

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner

Running time: 127 minutes

Based on the non-fiction book of the same name written by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures tells the story of three black female mathematicians who had to combat segregation and bigotry as they worked at the NASA during the Space War of the 1960’s between the United States and the USSR.

It is amazing to think that things were the way they were not that long ago. Things sure are not perfect today, but we’ve come a long way. In itself, it is a great thing that the story of these three women was told on the big screen, so they can finally fully take their rightful place in history. That being said, it is unfortunate that the filmmakers felt the need to embellish and change the facts to tell a more compelling story.

The story of Hidden Figures is indeed compelling in itself, and it is largely carried on screen by the great acting performances of all involved. The tone felt a bit off at times, as if the characters were on the outside looking in. I highly doubt that people making history are walking around telling each other that they are making history as it happens. Nonetheless, these actresses managed to pull us in and make us care for these very real women. I also appreciated the epilogue, where we got some of the facts about the rest of the story of these important women.

Overall, this is a movie to see, in spite of its few flaws.

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