Logicians in an illogical setting

Rating: 7/10 (26 May 2018)

An American drama; A story about African-American mathematicians working at NASA in the 1960s who were critical to the USA's success in the Space Race.
There are critics who've said that the film is a little heavy-handed in reminding the audience of the institutional culture which worked against women and African Americans at that time. But, it's a film intending to appeal to common sense, the difficulties people face, and by its style create an emotional response. If it feels heavy-handed then be reminded that this isn't a documentary about NASA; it isn't a film about African American political activists; it's a film with a theme - people work hard toward a common goal but are let down by ignorant people on the same side.
It's a film with big scope and big heart and strong central performances. It's also an interesting story and faithful to the real people and true events. There is an air of self-satisfaction, and it is straightforward without any surprises, and there is an unfinished element to the ending, but it is at the better end of a long series of quasi-hagiographic movies made over the last decade.