'Hidden Figures' tells important untold story
When describing a movie like “Hidden Figures,” one might be inclined to use words like inspiring, empowering and warm-hearted.
“Hidden Figures” is a movie based on the nonfiction book by Margot Lee Shetterly and tells NASA’s untold stories following Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson. These three overlooked black females were human computers who did the calculations necessary for rocket launches and flight paths and helped put John Glenn into orbit.
Johnson, played by Taraji P. Henson, is a brilliant mathematician who’s recruited to help calculate and check the work of the numbers for Project Mercury. She’s faced with a standoffish superior who resents that his work needs to be checked, an office of co-workers who are terrified when she grabs a cup of coffee from their pot, and a demanding boss.
In a notable scene, on top of the already tense working conditions in the office, Johnson has to travel half a mile just to use the bathroom because there is no colored-only restroom in the new building she is placed in. This is the scene where Henson successfully brings Johnson to life. She doesn’t miss a beat when relating to the character.
The rest of the plot keeps viewers engaged as the director grasps the time period beautifully through the costumes, scenery and mini storylines. At one point in the story, Johnson’s co-worker must also take the long route to use the bathroom. This is executed so well that the struggles of Johnson can be felt through the actions of the coworker.
While Johnson’s story is front and center, her co-workers Vaughan, played by Octavia Spencer, and Jackson, played by Janelle Monae, are right there with her as they too face their own barriers.
Vaughan is essentially doing the work of a supervisor without the title or pay. She teaches herself and the other girls in the program how to work on the new IBM computers so that the women will not be without jobs.
Jackson wants to become an engineer, but has to go to court to take the classes she needs to make it possible since the high school that the classes are offered at is a white-only school.
Monae’s portrayal of Jackson is a highlight of the movie as she takes over the screen in nearly every scene she appears in. She takes on the role as a determined and motivated young woman who won’t let anything in her way of completing her dreams. Viewers can see the relation that Monae has with her character which makes the movie even more relatable.
While the film only shows small hints of the Civil Rights Movement, it focuses more on what Johnson, Vaughan and Jackson faced in and out of the office. This separated “Hidden Figures” from other similar movies about African Americans persevering during the Civil Rights Era.
The movie can be somewhat predictable at times. The viewers can already assume how the end of the movie will turn out, but the acting, plot and realness of the film invite viewers to stay hooked. “Hidden Figures” leaves the feeling of women empowerment, determination and perseverance as the viewer is forced to go through the daily struggles and triumphs of three strong, smart African-American women in a predominantly white male industry.
RATING:
5/5 Stars