Director: Theodore Melfi
By Alex Watson
Hidden Figures brilliantly brings to light the essential role played by three African-American women during the Space Race at NASA. A story previously unknown to the public, all three helped change the boundaries of both gender and race during their time at this institution. Director Theodore Melfi brings across as a heartfelt feel to this picture and wonderfully lets the story tell itself rather than going for an overblown approach. The work these three women did was nothing short of miraculous and John Glenn's now famous flight might have been a far different story if not for their actions.
Katherine Goble (Taraji P. Henson), Mary Jackson (Janelle Monae) and Dorothy Vaughn (Octavia Spencer) are all employees of NASA. All feeling frustrated by the lack of advancement for both women and African-American's, each will take liberties into their own hands to get their voices heard. Space Director Al Harrison (Kevin Costner) is concerned with the upcoming space flight by John Glenn (Glen Powell). With the world watching, all of these three women will combine to launch one of the most anticipated moments in history.
The strength of Hidden Figures come from the toughness of each of the three leads. All are brilliant and brave in their own ways, Katherine is a mathematical genius whose gift is frowned upon by her all male superiors including insecure Paul Stafford (Jim Parsons). Dorothy is the defacto leader of a team of 'Computers' who is repeatedly denied promotion despite being overqualified. Sharp-tongued Mary while encouraged to be an engineer is denied due to silly technicalities. Melfi presents each of these characters with great authenticity and doesn't succumb to the urge to phone in the message. Set against the era of segregation, their battle isn't just in the workplace, it's all around. Thankfully the people around them are not presented as outright racists. Characters such as Kirsten Dunst's snooty Vivian Mitchell are ones bound by tradition and protocol.
Against the clock with the space race, the US is losing ground to the Soviets once Yuri Gagarin goes into orbit. Al Harrison is a boss that at first is concerned only with the job, once he gets wind of Katherine's ability with numbers it makes things a whole new ball game. All on her own at first, she receives a cool and hostile welcome. The only coloured bathroom she can use is half a mile away at her old building. She looks destined for obscurity until both John Glenn and Harrison see that the importance of this mission hinges on her. His defence of her isn't one where the sparks fly and no passionate speeches are given, just a quiet assurance that her qualifications are essential. Mary is also fighting her own battle because her wanted promotion depends on her taking advancement courses at an all white school. Mary is someone who doesn't need people fighting in her corner, through using her own words and her natural instinct is able to overcome anything.
Hidden Figures is a tribute towards those who refused to be confined to the shadows. Battling prejudice throughout, each member shows their spirit and determination when times get hard. Dorothy in particular comes across as a real hero when she learns to program IBM machines better than the men who built them. It is impossible to think of John Glenn's flight without their involvement. Katherine's maths is by the far the element that makes the difference because although Stafford arrogantly states his math is perfect and tries to black out key 'classified' information, Katherine repeatedly sees the flaws. The men in their lives are also quietly brilliant with a wonderfully romantic turn by Mahershala Ali as new lover Jim Johnson. Playing both father figure to her three daughters, Jim is the rock she needs and this story is one that gives this picture a sweet feel.
Three magnificent turns are what makes this picture so potent. Taraji P.Henson is Oscar worthy as the brainiac Katherine. Giving her a silent determination, Henson gives a turn that has both heart and great charm. By far the strongest character of the bunch, this could open new doors for this actress. After impressing as a surrogate mother in Moonlight, Janelle Monae is a force of nature as Mary Jackson. Gifted with a quick wit and even quicker tongue, this woman is unafraid to go it alone when it comes to her dreams. Octavia Spencer could well be up for supporting honours again with another tough and frank turn as Dorothy. Authoritative whenever she is on screen, this kind of role is second nature to Spencer. Kevin Costner is also impressive as boss Al Harrison and shows how memorable he can be with the right type of part.
Hidden Figures is a picture that stands out on its story alone and is one that could see some love when it comes to awards season.
