Harriet (2019)

US 125m, Colour
Director: Kasi Lemmons; Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn, Janelle Monáe

Harriet is an engaging biographical drama based on the extraordinary life of Harriet Tubman, a former slave named Araminta “Minty” Ross who escaped from her Maryland Plantation to Philadelphia in 1849. In returning south numerous times to lead her family members and many others to freedom, Tubman’s incredible spirit and determination are embodied in Erivo’s moving portrayal of this remarkable woman. Despite knowing the outcome of Harriet’s many perilous journeys, Lemmons’ film generates a great deal of suspense and uncertainty that would not be achieved in a simple documentary of the events (Klaus Ming February 2020).