Hidden Figures is the captivating untold story of three African American women working at NASA. The award-winning film is based on the New York Times best-selling book of the same title. The movie is informative, moving, and relative to current events. Hidden Figures addresses issues of discrimination, prejudice, and the equal rights of both women and African Americans during the 1950s and 1960s.
In the film, the brilliant Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson serve as “human computers” behind a major space operation. These motivating women played a significant role in the launching of astronaut John Glenn into orbit in 1962. The math done by the talented trio guaranteed Glenn’s safe return home and ultimately regained the nation’s pride in the Space Race against Russia.
Though the talent of these innovative women was hidden from the public eye, the lessons that viewers can learn from the film are not hidden at all. Together, Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary teach us that good is always worth doing, even if we do not receive credit. After watching the film, spectators leave the theater with a new sense of self-determination and faith in their own passions.
Hidden Figures follows the trio as they rise above discrimination, not only at NASA, but in society. The women crossed gender, professional, and racial barriers with their determination and spunk. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary are emulated by famous and well-liked actresses Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe.
The film also features renowned actor Kevin Costner and actress Kirsten Dunst. Produced by singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams, the film has earned several awards, including a Screen Actors Guild award for ‘outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture,’ and NAACP Image awards for ‘outstanding motion picture’ and ‘outstanding literary work.’ The film has also earned Oscar several nominations. Three of those nominations include ‘best picture,’ ‘best supporting actress,’ and ‘best adapted screenplay.’ The film and its cast are worthy of every bit of praise given.
Hidden Figures is a true, entertaining, and inspiring story about three women who made a difference in America. The film reinforces the saying, “To get somewhere you’ve never been before, you must do something you’ve never done before.”
Hidden Figures is still playing in theaters, including the AMC Owings Mills 17.