Harriet
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Joe Alwyn, Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe
Directed By: Kasi Lemmons
Rated: PG-13
I’m genuinely surprised it’s taken this long for a Harriet Tubman biopic to make its way to the big screen. We‘ve all learned about her fascinating life and incredible trips freeing slaves for the Underground Railroad. However, seeing these events played out on a movie screen proves what a brave and selfless individual Harriet Tubman was every day. If anyone deserves having a movie made about them, it’s her.
Harriet follows the story of Minty Ross, a slave who dreams of freedom. She is married to a free man and hopes to start a family with him away from the cruel Brodess family. When her requests for freedom are denied by Brodess and his awful son, Gideon, Minty runs towards her best chance at freedom even if the journey is cruel and dangerous. She escapes to Philadephia, where freedom is attainable. There she changes her name to Harriet Tubman to signify a new life separate from slavery. Beginning her new life, Harriet can’t help but feel loss and despair for the family she left behind in Maryland. As the days go by, she knows she must set out and bring them to freedom. Thus begins the greatest journey of her life.
The film details Harriet’s life as she escapes a life of slavery and the decade that follows. This includes her work with the Underground Railroad. There’s a lot of ground to cover on a historical level considering Harriet Tubman leaves such a meaningful legacy behind. Director Kasi Lemmons makes sure to highlight Harriet’s bravery and achievements while keeping the audience engaged. One aspect of the film I found to be very interesting was the way Lemmons weaves together Harriet’s visions. She experienced “spells” that caused her to pass out, but each time they occurred, she had a vision of what was about to take place. Harriet called these visions messages from God that led her exactly where she needed to be. These sequences lead to a unique dynamic of the film.
While the story itself is both relevant and intriguing to watch, the screenplay can get a bit convoluted at times. The big climax towards the end of the film with Harriet and Gideon includes a powerful monologue, but it isn’t exactly believable that he would act in the manner that he behaves. Specific character motivations are questionable throughout. The editing is also choppy. One moment Harriet is in Philadephia, and the next, she is right back in Maryland. Significant moments are skipped over without exploring how she ended up in a particular situation. By just spending a little more time on certain scenes it would help smooth the film out so much!
Cynthia Erivo has been a standout of many recent films, including Bad Times At The El Royale and Widows. The streak continues with Harriet as she carries the film on her shoulders. Erivo is a convincing lead showcasing the bravery and strength of Harriet Tubman. She never gives up on the fight for freedom and works every waking moment to help others attain it. Her faith is a driving force in all decisions, and her devotion to God is unwavering.
Leslie Odom Jr. is also quite memorable in the film as William Still, an abolitionist in Philadelphia. He may be known for Hamilton, but he doesn’t do any singing this time around. As William Still, he is a helpful presence helping Harriet organize her trips for the Underground Railroad and providing support when needed.
Janelle Monae appears in a small role as Marie Buchanon, the owner of a boarding house in Philadelphia. It’s a small role, but she makes the most of the time she is given playing Marie with grace and kindness. Since showing up in Hidden Figures a few years ago, Monae continues to prove she’s a natural on screen.
Joe Alwyn, also known as the influence of Taylor Swift’s latest album, Lover, plays yet another terrible human being. I can’t keep listening to Taylor Swift’s music, knowing he inspires it, and then see him play slave owners, Nazis, and white supremacists. In Harriet, he plays Gideon Brodess, a disturbed slave owner who is creepily possessive of Harriet. He’s violent and abusive yet has the emotional maturity level of a child. Taylor Swift will not be writing a song about this character unless the song is called “Gideon, You Are The Worst.”
The main actors that I’ve highlighted are solid leads, but some of the supporting cast leaves a bit to be desired. Jennifer Nettles is wildly over the top as Mrs. Broddes, the plantation owner. She’s hysterical in every scene to the point that it’s difficult to take her seriously. I say this as someone who likes Sugarland and enjoys her other work! This particular role isn’t for her.
Harriet has some screenplay and editing missteps but remains a story that should be seen to appreciate the astounding impact of Harriet Tubman’s legacy.
My Rating: 7/10