Hidden Figures (2016)

Hidden Figures stars three powerful women and is not only inspiring, but of course culturally relevant even today.

The film is set in 1961 Virginia. The three women who made most of the contributions to the United States Space Race, work at NASA and of course are mainly segregated from their white peers.

Mathematician Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), budding engineer Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) and computer supervisor Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) have a lot to prove, but they handle the challenges they face with class and work harder than anyone else.

This film is incredibly inspiring. These women were underestimated at every turn. Yet they continue to fight as they know they can contribute much more than they are allowed.

Johnson is chosen from the "colored computers" to work in the all-white rocket center, where she checks the calculations of the engineers and scientists working on getting John Glenn (Glen Powell) into space.  Her new supervisor is Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) who seems to be the only one on Katherine's side... once he realizes how she's being treated of course.

Yes this film takes place during the civil rights era, but the film focuses solely on the three leads, and honestly, that's all you need. You learn history, the struggles and triumphs that came with it, and you leave feeling a happier person.

Hidden Figures is a triumphant film, and there are many moments where you want to clap and cheer (and the audience in the theatre I was in, did just that). Henson is poised throughout the film, so when she finally cannot take it anymore, she is heart wrenching to watch. The film while truthful, never gets preachy, you cheer the triumph and mourn the challenges these women face. After all, in many ways it resonates with modern times though people may deny it.

The three main leads all give out stand out performances. Octavia Spencer seems to breathe acting as nothing is ever forced when she's on the screen. Henson and Monae are also strong and powerful, yet classy and elegant. The three of them have great chemistry and it is a pleasure to watch them perform.

Hidden Figures
4.5/5 Stars
Rated PG: Mature themes, language
2 hours 6 minutes
Premiered: In select theatres, December 25, 2016; Everywhere January 2017