Focus Features just released the trailer for Harriet, a film that promises to do Harriet Tubman’s incredible and inspiring life justice. It was about time Tubman got the modern Hollywood biopic treatment, and if the trailer is any indication, the film might just be as epic as the legendary heroine was.
What the film is about
Harriet Tubman is one of the most celebrated abolitionists and activists of the 19th century, famously struggling against slavery and actively fighting the evil institution for most of her life. Born a slave in Dorchester County, Maryland, Tubman escaped and bravely led several missions to free scores of slaves—becoming a key figure in the liberation movement known as the Underground Railroad.
“Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, HARRIET tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes.” The trailer synopsis reads. “Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.”
Who is in it?
The film is headlined by British actress Cynthia Erivo, known for her Tony-winning performance in the broadway production of The Color Purple. Her undeniable talent as an actress was further demonstrated when she transition into film in 2018 with Widows and Bad Times at the El Royale. Though we’re yet to see how well Erivo embodies Tubman’s character, her promising performance is already generating praise based on this trailer alone.
Starring alongside Erivo are Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Monáe, Joe Alwyn, Jennifer Nettles and Clarke Peters, with Kasi Lemmons as director. Lemmons, whose acclaimed work as a filmmaker include gems like Eve’s Bayou and Talk to Me, co-wrote the screenplay with Gregory Allen Howard (Remember the Titans).
“This is the story of a seemingly powerless woman who accomplished the extraordinary to save her loved ones, and in the process became a leader of and inspiration for her people,” producers Debra Martin Chase and Daniela Taplin Lundberg told Slash Film. “While Harriet Tubman is a household name, most people don’t know the breadth of her story—not only was she a conductor on the Underground Railroad, she was a spy for the Union army and remains one of the few women to have led an armed expedition in U.S. history.”
The film is already generating Oscar-buzz, as it seems the film will hit all the right notes to procure a coveted Academy Award next year. Cynthia Erivo, at least, is certainly poised to take over the award season by storm, so be ready for an exciting time ahead.
Harriet will come to theaters on November 1, with its world premiere taking place at the 2019 Toronto Film Festival.
Take a look at these other articles:
Watch Tom Hanks Play Fred Rogers In ‘A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood’
We’ve Got Our Elvis! Austin Butler Will Play The King In Baz Luhrmann’s Biopic
Mulan’s Live-Action Trailer Looks Okay, But We Still Want Mushu
