The screen illuminates with a stark reminder of the political landscape of 1968: “435 elected representatives in the House of Congress—11 women, 5 Black, and no Black women.” The premise sets the stage for a historic tale as Regina King steps into the shoes of Shirley Chisholm, a true trailblazer who shattered the glass ceiling as the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress, representing New York.
This biographical film plunges us into the political journey of Chisholm, where her fervent resistance to Speaker of the House John W. McCormack becomes evident. After being assigned to the House Agriculture Committee, she fights back, insisting that such a position does nothing to serve her urban constituency.
Capturing the essence of a fraught political era, the movie examines Chisholm’s audacious bid for the presidency in 1972. Lavishly equipped with conviction but financially constrained—relying even on her funds—her campaign epitomizes the power of straight talk, often leaving her campaign manager, Stanley Townsend, portrayed by Brian Stokes Mitchell, in a state of consternation.
The film, under the adept direction of Academy Award-winner John Ridley (famed for “12 Years a Slave”), covers noteworthy moments of Chisholm’s presidential run. These include the disheartening lack of support from Congressman Ron Dellums, Dorian Missick’s character, and D.C. congressional delegate Walter Fauntroy’s (André Holland) broken promise predicated on a technical catch.
One of the movie’s more poignant scenes details her visit to the hospital bedside of the infamously racist Alabama Governor George Wallace after an assassination attempt. The narrative doesn’t shy away from showcasing tough dialogues Chisholm held with political figures far removed from her ideologies, including a strategic meeting with Black Panther Huey P. Newton, depicted by Brad James, hosted by the actress and singer Diahann Carroll.
While Chisholm’s story is peppered with professional struggles and conflicts, including the tension with her sister Muriel (Reina King), it is her unyielding determination fuelled by her Barbadian heritage that truly frames her story. Offering more than just a nod to her formative years, the narrative delves into her time spent in Barbados with her grandmother and elucidates the depth of her Bajan roots, a nod to her father’s homeland.
Yet, amid the political tumult and the meticulously crafted period detail that transport viewers right into the heart of the ’70s, it is Regina King’s formidable portrayal that carries the film. Following her directorial triumph in “One Night in Miami…,” King’s performance here is nothing less than compelling. She brings to life Chisholm’s resilience, her strategic acumen, and innate grace. Audiences witness the embodiment of an individual with the audacity to dream and the relentless pursuit to turn that vision into reality.
In this portrait of an inspirational figure, the film “Shirley” offers a precious glimpse into the life of Shirley Chisholm, a woman who steadfastly believed in challenging the status quo and refused to accept “things the way they are.” It is a narrative that resonates, a story of an incredible woman set against the charged backdrop of political change, a celebration of undaunted courage, transcending political lines and impacting a generation.
Available for streaming on Netflix, this film invites viewers into the world and the indomitable spirit of Shirley Chisholm, a true vanguard who not only ventured where few dared but blazed a trail for those who would follow.
English Cinema / World Cinema.
