Hidden Figures: Movie Review

Based on the book by Margot Lee Sheltterly, “Hidden Figures” is the wonderful new comedy-drama from director Theodore Melfi (“St. Vincent”).  There are a handful of great films out there to see this season. What sets “Hidden Figures” apart is that not only is it based on true events, but it is also considerably light compared to the much heavier Oscar bait that is garnering much of the attention.

In the 1960’s Mathematical genius Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson) worked in the segregated West Area Computers Division at the Langley Research Center with her friends Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe).  The United States wanted to beat Russia sending a man into orbit, and they needed a human computer to help in the space race.  The only person they had on hand who could do the calculations was Katherine.  An African American Woman had never been given clearance to work in the heart of the research center but Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) didn’t care about her gender or color, he only cared about getting John Glenn (Glen Powell) into space.

Although Katherine Johnson is “Hidden Figures” central character. Her friends were also on their way to making history. Mary was determined to be the first African American woman engineer and Dorothy was not going to sit by and let the fact that IBM computers were on the verge of putting her and her co-workers out of a job.  Each of these women were strong, brilliant and determined.

Henson gives a terrific performance here and delivers one of the film’s best scenes when she is finally fed up with how she is treated by her all-white co-workers due to the color of her skin.  The supporting cast is fine as well. Kristen Dunst isn’t playing sweet here, although I find it difficult not to see much more than Sheldon Cooper when watching Jim Parsons.  Hot of the heals of “Moonlight”, Mahershala Ali is also good as Katherine’s love interest Colonel Jim Johnson.  Monáe played Ali’s girlfriend in this year’s “Moonlight”.  Hopefully we will see more of both fine actors in the future.  “Hidden Figures” is easily one of this year’s best films. It is Education and entertaining.  I also feel it would be something fitting to show in schools as well.

By: Marc Ferman