Fans of biographical period dramas like Oppenheimer, The Imitation Game, and A Beautiful Mind can add Hidden Figures to their must-watch list, as it airs on Film4 this evening at 6.30pm on August 27. Audiences have called the film 'marvellously entertaining' and 'one of the best films ever', with some saying they have watched it 'at least half a dozen times' and remain entranced.
A Star-Studded Cast and Real-Life Story
The biographical period drama stars Octavia Spencer, Taraji P Henson, and Janelle Monáe as three brilliant and historically important African-American mathematicians at NASA. Written, directed, and produced by Theodore Melfi, with a screenplay co-written with Allison Schroeder, the film is loosely based on Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 book of the same name.
It tells the real-life story of Katherine Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who were behind one of the greatest space operations in history at NASA in the 1950s and 60s. These women are often overlooked in history books, and the film's theatrical release changed that reality to a large extent.
Critical and Commercial Success
The lead actresses are joined by Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, and Glen Powell. The official plot states: 'Three brilliant African American women at NASA, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history, the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race and galvanized the world.'
Hidden Figures grossed $236 million at the global box office against a production budget of $25 million. Octavia Spencer received nominations for all the top Best Supporting Actress awards, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The film itself was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay, and holds a 93% critics and audience approval rating.
Audience and Critic Praise
One critic said: 'It's a feel good, inspirational and entertaining film with winning performances across the board and an incredibly valuable history lesson.' Another added: 'Boy or girl, man or woman, black or white, any audience member who has ever marveled at the Space Age of our national history will find much to love in Hidden Figures.'
A third critic noted: 'It's an important film to be sure, but also a well-written and well-acted piece that's as inspiring as it is entertaining. It made me laugh and cry, with an ending that made me want to get up and cheer.' One viewer said: 'One of the best films I have ever seen, truly a film to inspire anyone who sees it.'
An IMDB user review reads: 'Hidden Figures is a marvelously entertaining film. The script adaptation by Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi tells its true story accurately and engagingly. Melfi also directs and uses his talented and award-worthy cast to thrill us, to make us cheer and give us moments of humor and just plain fun. I was impressed at how much this movie packed in without seeming cluttered, how much it affected me emotionally without being manipulative, and how much appreciation I gained for these women. Don't let Hidden Figures be a hidden treasure. See it soon! It's out of this world. A+'
Another fan shared: 'I loved it so much, I purchased it. And I've watched it at least a half dozen times already. Okay, maybe more. The acting was so good, the obstacles these women overcame in their lives… beautifully acted. These women earned their place in history and helped push forward the science of space travel. It's a must see!' One viewer wrote: 'Hidden Figures is one of those rare films that leaves a lasting impression every time you watch it. I've seen it multiple times now, and each viewing only deepens my appreciation for its powerful storytelling and exceptional performances.'
Hidden Figures airs this evening on Film4 at 6.30pm.
