“Shirley,” directed by John Ridley and starring Regina King, follows Shirley Chisholm’s historic 1972 presidential campaign. Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to seek the Democratic nomination for President, faces fierce opposition. Despite her determination to break barriers and inspire hope, the film’s portrayal lacks depth, falling into Netflix’s tendency towards bland storytelling, as seen in previous productions like “Rustin.”
“Shirley” opens with Chisholm’s arrival in Congress, highlighted by a group photo on the Capitol steps. Despite facing snide remarks, she responds with confidence and dignity, showcasing her unwavering strength from the start.
The film quickly transitions to the start of Shirley’s presidential campaign, becoming its main focus. Shirley assembles her team: her husband Conrad, advisors Wesley McDonald Holder and Arthur Hardwick Jr., and a young law student, Robert Gottlieb, who brings youthful perspective. Together, they acknowledge the challenges Shirley faces as an outsider in the race due to her race, gender, and limited political experience, having served just one term as a Congresswoman.
Shirley believed in people and the idea that politics should serve citizens. She didn’t adhere to timidity, advising Gottlieb that humility can be a form of arrogance. While “Shirley” admirably portrays her, it feels more like a history lesson, rushing through events rather than delving into Shirley as a person.
The movie aims to be a dynamic political story but falls short, serving more as a basic history lesson than a rich portrayal. It lacks depth, relying on bullet points rather than genuine emotion. We only scratch the surface of Shirley’s character and achievements, leaving us wanting more than just a quick summary of her life.
The overall production falls short despite its talented cast, as the script prioritizes events over character development. Shirley herself feels underdeveloped, with only surface-level exploration of her personal struggles. While there are hints at deeper complexities through her family dynamics, these moments remain largely unexplored and the dialogue feels forced. The film’s focus on portraying Shirley as a symbol rather than a fully fleshed-out character ultimately detracts from its impact, despite Regina King’s efforts to bring depth to the role.
Shirley lacks depth as a character, leaving us emotionally disconnected despite Regina King’s powerful performance. While King delivers Chisholm’s words with passion, the film’s focus on achievements over personal depth undermines our emotional investment.
| Aspect | Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Direction | John Ridley’s direction fails to provide depth, resulting in a portrayal that lacks emotional resonance. |
| Acting (Regina King) | Regina King delivers a powerful performance, but the script limits her ability to fully explore Shirley Chisholm’s character. |
| Storytelling | The film follows a basic historical narrative, focusing on events rather than delving into Shirley Chisholm’s personal struggles. |
| Characterization | Shirley Chisholm feels underdeveloped, with surface-level exploration of her character and limited emotional depth. |
| Overall Impact | Despite a talented cast, “Shirley” falls short in providing a compelling portrayal of its subject, leaving viewers emotionally disconnected. |
