Respect (2021)

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s (Jennifer Hudson) career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

Watching RESPECT was spine-tingling, and I had tears in my ears a few times. This is a stunning movie. Jennifer Hudson is electrifying as Aretha Franklin (the little girl who plays the child Aretha is amazing too!). I heard somewhere that Aretha Franklin asked that, if a film was made about her life, she wanted Hudson to play her. And what a brilliant choice that was.
The story of Aretha’s life is told warts and all as she battles to find her own voice and gain independence from those who wish to own and control her — including her own “demons”. That journey doesn’t always go well.
RESPECT is one of the best biopics I have seen. If you are a fan of Aretha Franklin’s music, or just love a well-made movie about music, waste no time in rushing to the cinema to see it if you can. Brilliant, intimate, and deeply moving.

(In cinemas in Australia where they’re open – check your movie guide for your local show times.)