Name: Respect
Genre: Drama, Music, History
Released: 2021-08-12T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Mary J. Blige

Jennifer Hudson stands in front of a packed audience, her voice swelling with the weight of “Think,” and the camera lingers on her face—capturing every note, every emotion, every ounce of power she pours into the performance. This moment, one of several electrifying musical sequences in Respect (2021), directed by Liesl Tommy, is where the film truly comes alive. Yet, for all its aspirations to be a definitive portrait of Aretha Franklin’s life, the movie struggles to maintain that same level of intensity throughout.

The biopic traces Franklin’s journey from her early years as a child prodigy singing in her father C.L. Franklin’s (Forest Whitaker) Detroit church choir to her ascent as an international superstar. Hudson, who was personally chosen by Franklin to play her, brings a raw, unfiltered energy to the part. Her vocal performances—whether belting out gospel classics like “Never Loved a Man” or soulful anthems such as “Natural Woman”—are nothing short of breathtaking. The film’s musical sequences are its undeniable highlights, moments where Hudson channels Franklin with such conviction that it’s easy to forget you’re watching an actor rather than the legend herself.

But Respect isn’t just about the music; it’s also a deeply personal story about faith, family, and feminism. Franklin’s relationship with her father, a prominent Detroit preacher, is central to the narrative. Whitaker delivers a measured yet powerful performance as C.L., capturing the complexity of a man who both nurtured and controlled his daughter’s early career. Their dynamic is one of the film’s strongest emotional threads, particularly in scenes where Franklin grapples with her father’s expectations versus her own ambitions.

The supporting cast is largely solid, with Audra McDonald bringing warmth and gravitas as Barbara Franklin, Aretha’s mother, and Mary J. Blige offering a memorable turn as Dinah Washington, a mentor figure who pushes Franklin to embrace her full potential. However, Marlon Wayans’ portrayal of Ted White, Franklin’s husband and manager, feels somewhat miscast. While Wayans brings a certain charisma to the role, his performance lacks the necessary depth to fully convey the toxicity of their relationship.

Tommy’s direction is respectful—pun intended—but often plays it safe. The film adheres closely to the conventions of the biopic genre, relying on flashbacks, voiceover narration, and a linear timeline that occasionally feels overly familiar. There are moments where Respect strives for something more original, particularly in its exploration of Franklin’s activism and her role as a cultural icon during the civil rights movement. However, these themes are sometimes overshadowed by the film’s focus on Franklin’s personal struggles, which can feel fragmented and rushed.

The cinematography and production design do an admirable job of recreating the era, from the vibrant colors of 1960s Detroit to the glamorous stages where Franklin performed. However, the pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the middle act, where the narrative jumps erratically between different periods of Franklin’s life. This disjointed structure sometimes makes it difficult to fully invest in the emotional beats of the story.

One of the film’s most compelling aspects is its exploration of Franklin’s relationship with her faith and how it influenced her music. Scenes set in the church, where young Aretha sings gospel hymns with a choir, are some of the most visually striking and emotionally resonant moments in the film. These sequences not only highlight Hudson’s vocal abilities but also underscore the spiritual foundation of Franklin’s artistry.

However, Respect sometimes stumbles when it tries to balance Franklin’s professional triumphs with her personal turmoil. The film touches on her struggles with addiction, her tumultuous marriage, and her quest for independence, but these elements are often glossed over in favor of the more glamorous aspects of her career. As a result, the narrative can feel uneven, oscillating between moments of profound insight and superficial retellings of well-known anecdotes.

The film also grapples with the challenge of depicting Franklin’s impact on popular culture. While it succeeds in showcasing her musical genius, it sometimes struggles to capture the full scope of her influence. Scenes that highlight her role as a trailblazer for women in music and her activism during the civil rights movement are powerful but could have been given more prominence.

In comparison to other recent music biopics like Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) or Rocketman (2019), Respect stands out for its focus on the personal rather than the sensational. However, it also lacks the narrative cohesion and emotional depth that made those films resonate with audiences. Where Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman excelled in weaving together the personal and professional lives of their subjects, Respect sometimes feels like a collection of highlights rather than a cohesive portrait.

Ultimately, Respect is a film that shines brightest when it lets Jennifer Hudson’s voice take center stage. While it stumbles in its execution of Franklin’s personal struggles and occasionally feels too safe in its storytelling choices, the musical performances are undeniably powerful. The film is likely to appeal most to fans of Aretha Franklin’s music and those interested in a surface-level exploration of her life.