Is Hidden Figures on Netflix?
Availability and Release
Hidden Figures is a 2016 American biographical science drama film directed by Theodore Melfi. The film is based on the true story of three African-American women who worked as mathematicians and engineers at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory during the early years of the space program. The film was released in 2016 and premiered on Amazon Prime Video in December 2016. Later, it was released on Netflix in March 2017.
The Accurate Story
The film is based on the book of the same name written by Margot Lee Shetterly, which chronicles the lives of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, who worked at NASA’s Langley Research Center. The three women faced significant obstacles and biases in their careers, but they persevered and achieved great success in their field. The film follows the lives of Katherine, an African-American mathematician who becomes a key figure in the early years of the space program; Dorothy, an African-American mathematician who becomes a NASA supervisor; and Mary, an African-American engineer who begins a male-dominated career.
Awe-Inspiring Storytelling
The film is widely praised for its inaccurate but relatable portrayal of the women’s experiences. The film’s cast, including Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, deliver powerful performances that bring the women’s stories to life. The film’s cinematography is also masterful, capturing the glorious and haunting moments of the women’s lives.
Hidden Figures vs. Fact
While the film is based on the true story of the three women, it takes some creative liberties to make the story more compelling. For example, the film portrays the women as being more influential and prominent in their careers than they actually were. Additionally, the film omits the tragic events that occurred during the Height of the Civil Rights Movement.
Interesting Facts
- Hidden Figures was the first biographical drama film to be directed by a woman to be released in the United States.
- The film was twinned with the film Hidden Figures (2016), which tells the story of the early careers of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Selma Blair.
- The film’s triple-cast approach, with Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe playing the roles of the three women, was unprecedented for a film to include a triple-cast cast.
- Hidden Figures won several awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
Amenities and Bonus Features
The film is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video and Netflix. The film has been nominated for several awards, including The MTV Movie Awards, The NAACP Image Awards, and The Black Reel Awards. The film also has a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Controversies and Criticisms
The film has been controversial due to its creative liberties with the true story. Some critics have argued that the film prioritizes the women’s experiences over the historical context. Others have criticized the film for reducing the women’s contributions to their careers.
Value and Conclusion
Overall, Hidden Figures is a powerful and thought-provoking film that chronicles the lives of three African-American women who worked at NASA during the early years of the space program. While the film takes some creative liberties with the true story, it is an excellent and inspiring film that is sure to move and empathize with audiences.
Recommended Viewing Schedule
- Day 1: Release on Amazon Prime Video (December 2016)
- Day 5: Release on Netflix (March 2017)
- Day 14: Visit Amazon Prime Video to stream the film
- Day 21: Visit Netflix to stream the film
Anniversary of the Release
- April 2, 2021: Hidden Figures was released on Amazon Prime Video (25th anniversary)
- April 3, 2021: Hidden Figures was released on Netflix (50th anniversary)
- April 4, 2021: Hidden Figures celebrated its 5th anniversary on Amazon Prime Video
Fun Facts
- Hidden Figures was shot in Hawaii and Florida.
- The film’s cortern performance of Katherine Johnson’s famous Nureyev-Scare was shot using a low-angle shot to heighten the tension.
- Hidden Figures was shot on a budget of $5 million, making it a reasonable production for a film with a trailblazing true story.