Mahalia (2021) Movie Review

Mahalia – Movie Review

Director: Kenny Leon

Writer: Todd Kreidler (Screenplay)

Writer: Bettina Gilois (Story)

Cast

Danielle Brooks (Clemency)
Olivia Washington (The Butler)
Joaquina Kalukango (One Night in Miami)
Jason Dirden (Greenleaf)
Rob Demery (Get on Up)

Plot: The story of the New Orleans-born crooner who began singing at an early age and went on to become one of the most revered gospel figures in U.S. history, melding her music with the civil rights movement.

Runtime: 1 Hour 42 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Mahalia starts as we meet Mahalia Jackson (Brooks) who was raised in the south. She always had an incredible voice one that can turn heads. However, people don’t like the type of music she sings. Mahalia loves singing the blues and gets told to not sing in that way turning to the gospel.

She defied the odds to make a living for herself first, then joined by Mildrid (Kalukango) to become a sensation. Her performances would move people and get the attention of the most famous figure in the civil rights movement.

Verdict on Mahalia

Mahalia is a biopic following the life of one of the most revered gospel figures in US history. It followers her from her early steps into the music industry, right up to the impact she made on the civil rights movement.

This movie does dive into how she kept her religious beliefs even if they held her back from bigger opportunities. She helped people around her and changed the lives of countless people along the way. This movie does a great job of showing just how much of an impact she brought to the world. Danielle Brooks is wonderful in the leading role and the singing involved is truly moving.

Final Thoughts – Mahalia is a wonderful biopic about someone who helped change the world.