It's 1849 Maryland. Minty (Cynthia Erivo) is a slave married to a free black man named John. Her family is supposed to be freed after the death of the old master but his family continues to hold them in bondage. In desperation, she makes a run to the North guided by God's voice in her head. She finds safety in Philadelphia where she takes her free name Harriet Tubman. She would return time and again to rescue her family and other slaves as one of the conductors of the underground railroad.
This is a standard biopic of anti-slavery heroine Harriet Tubman. It's a serious take. The tone is singular which leaves the movie rather flat. I'm not calling for some broad jokes to inject silly humor or grotesque violence to horrify. The constant uninspired narrative can take a toll on the tension. The movie could push the intensity of the escapes. There are emotional power points but they always seem a little melodramatic. I have some issues with the awkward staging of the killing of Marie and the final confrontation with Gideon. They are very standard in a bad way. This material is ready for a truly great biopic but this movie is only at a passable level.
This is a standard biopic of anti-slavery heroine Harriet Tubman. It's a serious take. The tone is singular which leaves the movie rather flat. I'm not calling for some broad jokes to inject silly humor or grotesque violence to horrify. The constant uninspired narrative can take a toll on the tension. The movie could push the intensity of the escapes. There are emotional power points but they always seem a little melodramatic. I have some issues with the awkward staging of the killing of Marie and the final confrontation with Gideon. They are very standard in a bad way. This material is ready for a truly great biopic but this movie is only at a passable level.