Why You Should Watch Netflix’s Newest Biopic, Shirley
This month sees the release of the highly anticipated Back to Black in cinemas, but if you’re looking for another enthralling biopic that you can watch from the comfort of your own home, historical drama Shirley is available to stream on Netflix.
Set in the early 70s, it follows the presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm (played by Regina King), who was the first Black woman elected to US Congress and attempted to break down another social barrier in her run for the country’s highest office. Here’s all to know:
What is Shirley about
If Beale Street Could Talk and Watchmen star Regina King steps into the role of Chisholm, who in 1968 ran a trailblazing campaign to be the first Black woman to be elected to Congress. She succeeded and represented New York, before deciding just four years later to launch a bid for the presidency itself, and this is where we join her in the film. It’s a time of division, with Nixon in office and the Vietnam War raging to huge protests. Of course, there’s a lot of obstacles to surpass and opposition from those who doubt her to those who are outright hostile. As she explains in the trailer, “I’m paving the road for people looking like me to be elected”, despite the doubts of her staff and those who know her. She faces protests and violence from crowds who hate her purely for the colour of her skin, and scepticism due to being a woman: “You’re going to be president? You ain’t no man” a young boy tells her- “Maybe we should find your mother”, she quips back.
She’s helped on her long shot big by her advisors Wesley McDonald (Lance Reddick in his penultimate film role) and Arthur Hardwick Jr. (Empire star Terrence Howard), as well as law student Robert Gottlieb (Lady Bird’s Lucas Hedges). She also has her husband, Conrad (Michael Cherrie) by her side, though the trailblazing campaign of course won’t be easy. Even from the start as she’s shown taking her place in the House of Representatives, she has to defend herself from insults and jokes from her white colleagues, and yet she doesn’t waiver. The odds may be hugely stacked against her, but her attempt at the White House will set a precedent for many to follow, even in a divided time for the country.
Who else stars, and where can I watch?
Also appearing in the film are Brian Stokes Mitchell (Billions), André Holland (Moonlight), Dorian Missick (The Burial) and Amira Vann (How To Get Away With Murder). The film is available to stream right now on Netflix.
