“Respect” is currently showing exclusively in theaters.
Aretha Franklin gets a movie about her life three years after her death. The film, named after her iconic song âRespect,â is a biographical drama directed by Liesl Tommy in her directorial debut.
The film stars Jennifer Hudson as Franklin, chronicling her life throughout the â50s, â60s, and â70s. âRespectâ explores her relationships with her father, husband, and others in the heyday of her amazing musical career; all the while as she writes songs and battles her inner demons.
I donât actively listen to Aretha Franklin’s songs; but her music has become so iconic and adored by so many that you have to have at least heard of songs like âRespectâ or â(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.â This movie is very much a love letter to Franklin and her career.
With recent biopics on iconic musicians in films that include âBohemian Rhapsodyâ and âRocketman,â a film centered on the Queen of Soul was inevitable. Fortunately, âRespectâ pays respect to Franklinâs amazing life and music with the support of its excellent performances.
Jennifer Hudson Earns Her Stripesâand Gets the âRespectâ She Deserves
Jennifer Hudsonâs first film role since the 2019 cinematic dud known as âCatsâ is a character she embodies perfectly. In a role that had to have been a dream come true and a daunting task for the American Idol finalist; Hudson does a fantastic job portraying Franklin, commanding the screen with her beautiful vocals and presence.
Everyone is on point in this film. First, we have Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin, Arethaâs controlling father. Whitakerâs prowess is in full force in this film. Then, perhaps the biggest surprise is Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Arethaâs abusive husband. Despite Wayansâs career of critically panned comedies, he gives his greatest dramatic performance since âRequiem for a Dreamâ in this film.
âRespectâ opens with Arethaâs childhood, establishing her phenomenal singing voice while setting up events in her personal life that immediately lead the audience to sympathize with her. It sets up the rest of the film very well, with Skye Dakota Turner doing a wonderful job as young Aretha.
We then follow the beginnings of Franklinâs career. The events that happen to her are tragic and written with so much nuance. With assured direction from Tommy, we root for Franklin to succeed and overcome her personal struggles.
A Film That Puts the Legendâs Music Front and Center
Some biographical dramas about music can feel like they drag during the dialogue scenes, making the audience desperately wait for the next song. Conversely, âRespectâ keeps us invested in every minute of its runtime, whether weâre hearing Arethaâs beautiful music or not.
But when we do hear her music, it is a wonder to behold. This is a must-watch for fans of the singer as we see her write and perform her famous songs. Hudson does an astonishing job with her vocals, giving a rendition of âAmazing Graceâ that puts nearly every other version to shame.
The film doesnât only go into her career as a singer; we also see Franklinâs life as a civil rights activist, with historical events surrounding the Black community and how Franklin impacted it. This is a celebration of Franklinâs legacy and music, and it is a true accomplishment.
While this may not be the best film surrounding a cultural icon, âRespectâ is a remarkable biopic anchored by wonderful performances and writing. These, in turn, allow the film to be a love letter to one of the greatest musicians of all time.
