Shirley
James Brown
“Shirley,” the 2024 film written and directed by John Ridley(“12 Years A Slave”), astutely pays tribute to the trailblazing legacy of Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the United States Congress and the first Black major-party candidate for President of the United States. Like last year’s film “Rustin,” we have another historically accurate portrayal (thank you for that), but, “like Rustin,” Shirley feels like a paint-by-numbers portrayal that fails to bring forth the depth and complexities of Ms. Chisolm’s life and times.
The film effectively delves deep into the personal and political journey of Shirley Chisholm, portrayed with remarkable depth and conviction by Regina King. Unlike the Peabody Award-winning documentary “Chisholm ’72: Unbought and Unbossed,” which primarily focuses on her historic presidential campaign, “Shirley” offers a more comprehensive exploration of Chisholm’s life, from her early struggles to her groundbreaking political achievements. Compared to “Rustin,” which centers on another civil rights activist, Bayard Rustin, “Shirley” uniquely highlights Chisholm’s singular contributions to the feminist and civil rights movements.
Regina King delivers a powerhouse performance as Shirley Chisholm, capturing her charisma, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice. It should come as no surprise that her performance is the film’s highlight. King’s portrayal adds complexity to Chisholm’s character, making her an empathetic and relatable figure for audiences. While “Chisholm ’72” features archival and interview footage of the real Shirley Chisholm, King’s portrayal in “Shirley” offers viewers a more intimate and immersive experience. It also weaves into the story things that have only come out in recent years, such as tension between Ms. Chisholm and her family.
Regina King delivers a powerhouse performance as Shirley Chisholm, capturing her charisma, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
“Shirley” boasts impressive production values, with meticulous attention to period detail and authentic recreations of historical events. The film effectively transports audiences to the tumultuous political landscape of the 1960s and 1970s, immersing them in Chisholm’s world with immersive cinematography and a stirring musical score. Unfortunately, exceptional costumes and sets are not enough to draw us in. What is lacking is cinematic grandeur and emotional resonance. It feels more like something you would watch in Coach Kowalski’s high school social studies class than an impactful feature film.
Through this film, John Ridley pays homage to Shirley Chisholm’s enduring legacy as a political pioneer for female empowerment and people of color. The film celebrates Chisholm’s indomitable spirit and reminds audiences of the ongoing struggle for equality and representation in American society. Despite its shortcomings, “Shirley” offers a timely and urgent reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the political arena.
“Shirley” is an important, dramatic story that reflects Shirley Chisholm’s remarkable life and legacy. For some, it is a must-see film because of its stellar performances, immersive costumes and set design, and profound thematic resonance. The movie serves as a fitting reminder of Chisholm’s indelible impact on American history and culture.
Final Thought
Despite its limitations, "Shirley" is a relevant and pressing reminder of the significance of diversity and inclusiveness in the political sphere.