*With the release of Kasi Lemmons‘ new film “Harriet,” fans and viewers are in for a real treat. Not only does Cynthia Erivo bring Tubman’s story to life, but we also finally have a real-life superhero’s story told on the big screen.
Araminta Ross was born a slave, but was promised her freedom when her mom turned a certain age, but it is denied by her plantation owner Gideon Brodess (Joe Alwyn). When tragedy falls on the Brodess family, young heir, Vince Brodess (Mitchell Hoog) decides to sell Ross, so Ross decides it is time to run away and find her freedom in Philadelphia.
Her journey is not an easy one, nor without consequences for herself, her friends and her family, but she knows she must go. She makes it to Philadelphia, where she finds shelter and community with abolitionist William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.) and free-born boarding house matron, Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monae). She also finds a new name for her new life; first name, Harriet, after her mother and last name, Tubman, her husband’s legal name. For a short time, she finds comfort and rhythm in her freedom, but something does not feel right to her! She’s left everyone behind. So, free Harriett decides she is going to return to Maryland to free her husband, brothers and parents…her family!
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But, God, as Harriet knew all too well, had other plans for her freedom-fighting ways. The first mission did not go as she planned, but had its own purpose and success, which would then inspire her to lead 13 more successful missions that free 70 people and earned her the nickname, “Black She Moses.”
Cynthia Erivo’s performance as Tubman is electric and sets the tone for this biopic. She did most of her own stunts and displays a vast range in her acting while depicting the emotional turmoil a woman risking her life, to free others must have gone through. Erivo is quoted as saying, “We think of her [Harriett Tubman] as a superhero, but we disconnect her from her humanity.” This movie reconciles the two.
Erivo also showcases her vocal range throughout the movie, when she periodically breaks out into song for her loved ones. But, it’s her original song, “Stand Up,” that she co-wrote for the film, which plays over the end credits, that will have you leaving the theatre feeling like you can do anything! The song ends with a reflection of Tubman’s final words in 1913: “I go to prepare a place for you.”
With pivotal and strong performances by Janelle Monae and Leslie Odem Jr., “Harriet” is a box office must-see!
“Harriet,” rated PG-13. In theatres now.
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