With poise comes power

Rating: 9/10 (20 February 2017)

Hidden Figures is a fantastic film about segregation and the affects it has had on career paths. Whilst the main focus is the mathematics and the foundation of the space program, it intertwines this story with the struggles of 3 separate women of colour who have to prove their worth in different ways to a world set against them. Taraji Henson is easily the stand-out, carrying every emotional scene with her weight, and propelling the film to its great status. Octavia Spencer and Janelle Monae do wonderfully, but simply do not have as much gravitas as Henson. These three actresses have a great chemistry between them, portraying their characters with true poignancy. Theodore Melfi has made a surprisingly straightforward and simple story into an electrically charged film, fuelled with excitement and attitude. This is a great achievement for Melfi, who is new in the directing seat. The use of real footage and true stories intertwined into the fictitious story works well to establish a period film. The dignity and poise these powerful actress carry in their roles is admirable and fantastic to see. Hidden Figures has managed to bring light upon the unspoken heroes in a beautifully tasteful manner.