Cynthia Erivo plays Harriet Tubman as a force of nature. This fearless woman initiated the underground railroad to help slaves flee the south for freedom. As a film Harriet struggles to rise above the standard bio-pic history lesson. Cynthia’s considerable acting chops are severely tested by this melodrama. The annoying score telegraphs any emotional stanzas. John Toll’s cinematography is a bit too showy. The film feels false. There is a rushed “let’s hit the key points of Harriet’s life” that gives the audience a shallow experience. I admit the rousing inspirational speeches that pepper the end of the film are uplifting. The Harriet Tubman story needs to be told but unfortunately this film doesn’t do it justice.
HARRIET | Official Trailer | In Theaters November 1st – YouTube
