Kris FT’s review published on Letterboxd:
I second, third, fourth, etc., etc., all that's been said about performances. A lovely parting show by Chadwick Boseman and a take-charge turn by Viola Davis are the complete carriers of this film. Plenty of props to Colman Domingo, as well. It seems that any movie that he is on is a good one and he always helps elevate.
Beyond the great acting, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom has the story of the ill-fated band and all the tugs of war they'd face. If squabbling band members wasn't enough, the promise of creative freedom to only have it squashed is a painful part of this story of the exploitation of Black creativity.
The final shot is a gut punch.
83%
