#mahershala

Mahershala Ali for GQ. 

Hidden Figures

Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kristen Dunst, Jim Parsons and Mahershala Ali Rating: ★★★½

During the Space Race, three African-American women specializing in mathematics come to the forefront of NASA’s work despite all odds.

This is a remarkable story with fantastic performances by a stacked cast. Prior to seeing the film, there are not too many folks who have heard of this story. Yes, we all have heard of Martin Luther King Jr., the Little Rock Nine, Freedom Riders, and other people and events that helped shape the historical impact of the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960′s. However, the story of the Hidden Figures behind the Space Race is one that has never surfaced to where a high school student can learn about the event through history class. Fortunately, we have this film to understand how these women were some of the strongest brains of NASA during a time when the stakes in the Civil Rights Movement and Space Race were high.

Watching the characters deal with blow after blow due to the color of their skin makes this a challenging, yet inspiring experience. Janelle Monae’s character, Mary Jackson, summarizes the events perfectly when she says something like, “when we get closer to accomplishing something, you move the finish line.” Each time when it feels that a character has something in their reach, there is always the thought that it could be taken away at any moment. Although the characters face a series of challenges, it is amazing to see the ladies give it their all. Octavia Spencer’s character, Dorothy Vaughn, has worked a year as a supervisor for the West Area Computer, but is not promoted to the actual position of supervisor. Despite this, she sticks with her ladies in the department, and butts heads with Kristen Dunst’s character until the end. 

On the other hand, the film puts the spotlight on Katherine Johnson’s (Henson) challenges the most out of the three women. We get a glimpse of the home life Johnson had with her three children as a single parent, and the hope that another man may fill the void her deceased husband left. When Johnson works at NASA, it is incredible to see how she juggles her career with her home life. The moment Johnson steps into the room where she carries out her new position, it feels like it is her against the world. A strong majority of Johnson’s coworker’s are white males, with some white women, who plague her with a pile of work every day. Johnson’s coworkers treat her unfairly, and do not give her the credit she deserves. However, her hardest challenge is going to the colored bathroom every day, considering it is on the other side of the workplace grounds. The deck is stacked against Johnson, but she takes the challenge head on.

The chemistry between the three ladies is incredible. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monae give it their all in their performances. When the times get tough, each lady has a different way of pulling their own weight. However, once the ladies are together, it feels like a down to earth moment unfolding. About half way in, there is a moment when each character feels like they have reached a breaking point at NASA. They vent their problem out a little, but it does not stop them from enjoying the fruits of life: drinking, singing and dancing. All of the ladies know how to carry their own, and care for each other.

Its supporting cast is also top notch. Kevin Costner does a good job as Johnson’s boss, who comes to embrace the idea of not letting the racial divide get in the way of accomplishing big things at NASA. Neil Patrick Harris also provides a solid role, playing the jerk of the office. Additionally, Kristen Dunst performs well as she engages with Octavia Spencer. Lastly, Mahershala Ali provides a nice little role as well. Sure, he is not in it too much, but he pairs very well with Taraji P. Henson.