Hidden Figures: Review

Hidden Figures is directed  by  Theodore Melfi and stars Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monàe, and finally brings the hidden story of how three african-american women served a vital role during the early years of NASA to the big screen. 

The industry's latest space bio-pic aims high with a perfect launch and landing whilst incorporating some exceptional star power throughout. Hidden Figures is a shining example of how bio-pic's should be made, reimagining a story that everyone knows but the women we don't. As the film gets's its  message across, showing us the inequality of the racial divide at the time it never becomes forceful or overly preachy. Heartwarming in every way possible, moments that can easily become corny are delivered so well by its fabulous line up of stars they only ever feel charismatic. 'At NASA we all pee the same colour' was just one of many brilliant lines as part of a fantastically written script.

As I mentioned the actors are one of the biggest reasons Hidden Figures will not be a Hidden Treasure, whilst Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons and Kevin Costner perform excellently, every scene is quite clearly stolen once these three ladies are on screen. The film achieves exactly as promised and doesn't just show us the story of the women's roles at NASA but reveals their personal lives as well, it pleasingly highlights on the women slightly more than the space race therefore restraining itself from being an astronaut movie.

Not only standing out individually as we see the women's separate home lives, the sensational chemistry between the three ladies, swapping playful banter at times but then there to assist each other in more testing situations. The quality that enables this film to stand out from other bio-pics is how it tackles such a serious topic and yet still feels so fun and lighthearted without being too schmaltzy but still being serious enough in the right moments. Although Monàe and Spencer perform effortlessly providing many hilarious moments, the best performance was quite clearly Henson not only a victim of racism but staying up to it as well, more light should definitely be shed on her stunning performance. The 60's is beautifully interpreted for contemporary audiences, every camera shot was lovingly and painstakingly created. This was also helped by a sensational soundtrack of classic soulful music  which added style and helped provide a colourful period feel to the film.

In the end, Hidden Figures tells a truly remarkable untold story, focusing not only on the racial but the gender divide as well. Never taking itself too seriously, Hidden Figures both informs and entertains equally, with it's unique whimsical charm. It's 60's backdrop still feeling refreshing, this film is a shining example of how empowering and enjoyable films that tackle racism can be. Although Moonlight was sensational Hidden Figures is slightly more enjoyable. 

I am going to give Hidden Figures:

9.7/10