Hidden Figures

I love watching historical dramas, particularly those about underdogs who rose up against (or in spite of) unfair or archaic legislations. Finally, those who stood opposed to progress receive the infamy they deserve. For as long as there are movies, the resting place of Edwin Epps and the other slave owners featured in "12 Years a Slave" will have a distinct smell from the tide of people that were so moved that they had to relieve themselves on his grave. I love “Hidden Figures” because it does the opposite. Instead of naming people for whom you should hold special disdain, this crowd-pleasing, emotionally satisfying, splendidly acted, and delightful film gives you new heroes to cheer for, ones that deserve the recognition they are belatedly receiving.

It’s 1962. Russia has successful launched Sputnik I. NASA employees Katherine Goble Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) face tremendous adversity because of the color of their skin but have the brains to become some of the most influential contributors to the Space Race.

This is one of those films that’s so good, you don’t want to look up the true-to-life facts for fear that they may contradict what’s on-screen. Or maybe you will want to so you can learn more about them. Either way, that marks it as a winner. This picture’s got a full range of emotions. You’ll laugh as these three likable leads talk and joke amongst each other, you’ll be infuriated at the injustice they face, you’ll want to jump for joy at every one of their triumphs, and you’ll be genuinely moved by their lives. There’s even a sweet love story thrown in. You want it," Hidden Figures" has got it.

In most movies, you get just one story. That’s fine, but “Hidden Figures” is so much more. It’s three, as each individual woman goes through her own ordeal (s) Then there’s a bigger overarching plot about race and segregation that is powerful by having little moments that cut deep and that you can relate to regardless of your upbringing. And then there's the Space Race stuff. We all know how that one turned out, but you’ll be on the edge of your seat nonetheless. The writing and direction here are masterful, blending all of these together and still making it so much more than the sum of its parts.

When I walked into “Hidden Figures”, I thought maybe it was going to be one of those nice, safe, but ultimately forgettable little films about a neat little story that someone dug up while doing research for a paper. The last thing I expected was to come out proudly proclaiming that I’d just seen one of the best films of the year. I can’t think of anyone I wouldn’t recommend “Hidden Figures” to. (Theatrical version on the big screen, January 10, 2017)