@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.
Quick Stats
7.3
TMDB Rating
725
Votes
2h 6m
Runtime
$15.0M
Budget
$30.2M
Box Office
202%
Return
Key Crew
DirectorDenzel Washington
WriterJeffrey Porro
CinematographyC. Alan Rawlins Sr.
ComposerG. Marq Roswell
EditorJohn Breinholt
Production DesignDavid J. Bomba
Produced by
Marshall ProductionThe Weinstein CompanyHarpo Films
Where to Watch
Streaming
Netflix
HBO MaxBuy
Apple iTunesSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Denzel Whitaker
James Farmer Jr.
Denzel Washington
Melvin B. Tolson
Nate Parker
Henry Lowe
Jurnee Smollett
Samantha Booke
Forest Whitaker
Dr. James Farmer Sr.
Kimberly Elise
Pearl Farmer
Jermaine Williams
Hamilton Burgess
Gina Ravera
Ruth Tolson
John Heard
Sheriff Dozier
Devyn A. Tyler
Helen Farmer
T
Trenton McClain Boyd
Nathaniel Farmer
Ritchie Montgomery
Deputy
Jackson Walker
Pig Owner
Tim Parati
Pig Farmer
Robert X. Golphin
Dunbar Reed
