A Welcome Tribute To The Real Brains Behind One Of Mankind's Proudest Achievements

Rating: Null/10 (13 February 2017)

Tweaking the real-life events every now n then to highlight the issues prevalent during its timeline and for some added dramatic effect as well, Hidden Figures is a mostly lighthearted & competently made biopic about the three unsung heroes whose key contributions made it possible for mankind to leave its footprint on the moon.
Set during the 1960s, Hidden Figures covers the story of three African-American women who work as human computers at NASA. The main plot follows Katherine Johnson, a maths wunderkind, who is assigned to the Space Task Group to work on their latest project and, along with Mary Jackson & Dorothy Vaughan, made the impossible possible.
Co-written & directed by Theodore Melfi, the story is narrated in an amusing but insightful fashion and keeps a stringent focus on its trio of characters. The plot mostly covers their remarkable work at NASA but every now n then, it would offer a little glimpse into their private lives. The screenplay smooths out the narrative by modifying a few details but it works in the film's favour.
The racial & gender issues it presents within the feature are as relevant today as it was at its time, however, the director does well to balance its thought-provoking themes with other elements and makes sure that it remains an enjoyable, accessible & universally appealing ride. Last but not the least, its warm colour palette, well-timed humour & fluid camera-work makes it even more inviting.
The three relevant characters exhibit well-defined arcs and are expertly brought to life by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer & Janelle Monáe. Kevin Costner & Kirsten Dunst chip in with serviceable inputs while Jim Parsons feels like a miscast. Also, if his presence alone is enough to convince you that he must be playing some intelligent guy, then you have been watching a terrible TV show for far too long.
On an overall scale, Hidden Figures is as enjoyable as it is informative, and is a welcome tribute to the genius minds who were responsible for some of our proudest achievements. The undercurrent of Cold War paranoia is evident throughout the story and is overdone at times but the movie retains its uplifting feeling till the very end. Bringing into light the real brains behind human spaceflight's greatest triumph, Hidden Figures is an amusing, entertaining & satisfying delight.