King Richard, the acclaimed biographical sports drama chronicling the rise of tennis icons Venus and Serena Williams through the lens of their father Richard Williams, is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. The film, which earned six Academy Award nominations and won Will Smith the Oscar for Best Actor, offers Wimbledon enthusiasts a compelling behind-the-scenes look at the making of two of tennis's greatest champions.
Plot and Setting
The story opens in Compton, California, where Richard Williams (Will Smith) and his wife Brandy (Aunjanue Ellis) raise their family while working full-time jobs. Despite limited financial resources, the couple dedicates countless hours to training Venus and Serena, with Richard firmly believing his daughters are destined for greatness long before they turn professional. Convinced that talent alone is insufficient, Richard devises a comprehensive 78-page plan for their futures and spends years searching for an elite coach. Armed with self-made promotional videos and brochures showcasing the girls' extraordinary abilities, he contacts some of tennis's most prominent figures, determined to secure the opportunities his daughters deserve.
Cast and Production
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin, the film features Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as young Venus and Serena Williams respectively. Tony Goldwyn and Jon Bernthal round out the supporting cast. Notably, Venus and Serena Williams served as executive producers on the project, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of their family's journey. The film was released in 2021 and quickly garnered critical acclaim for its heartfelt storytelling and powerful performances.
Critical Reception
King Richard has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and audiences. On IMDb, one viewer described it as "the feel-good movie of the year," praising Will Smith's performance as "maybe his best ever" and noting that the London Film Festival screening had the audience "up on their feet, applauding." Another reviewer called it "a tour de force performance" while noting that the film focuses more on Richard Williams than on the sisters themselves, saying, "My only gripe is that this is not a biopic about the Williams sisters." The film holds a 90% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics lauding its inspirational narrative and emotional depth.
Impact and Themes
The biopic highlights Richard Williams's unconventional methods and unwavering belief in his daughters, even as Venus begins making waves on the junior tennis circuit. Rather than pushing for immediate success, Richard prioritizes protecting his daughters from the pressures of early fame, urging them to stay grounded, focus on their education, and enjoy their childhood while preparing for the careers he has always envisioned. This approach, which some initially viewed as controversial, ultimately laid the foundation for Venus and Serena's unprecedented dominance in professional tennis.
Availability
King Richard is now streaming on BBC iPlayer, making it easily accessible for tennis fans looking to celebrate Wimbledon season. The film runs for 2 hours and 24 minutes and is rated 12A for moderate language and thematic elements. Viewers can also find the film on other streaming platforms, but BBC iPlayer offers it as part of its standard subscription package for UK users.
