Preview – Rustin: Shining A Light On A Forgotten Hero
Note: This is an early preview of Rustin from a screening at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Civil rights activist Bayard Rustin finally shines in Netflix’s upcoming biographical movie. Rustin is a must-watch film. It stars Colman Domingo in the title role and features an ensemble cast.
The Rustin cast includes Chris Rock, Aml Ameen, Glynn Turman, Jeffrey Wright, Audra McDonald, and CCH Pounder.
Taking place in the 1960s, the film revolves around the 1963 March on Washington and Rustin’s role in making it such a success. It’s a powerful movie that feels like it rights a wrong, When talking about the Civil Rights movement, names such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and others are common.
Names like Bayard Rustin are often forgotten.
Therefore, this Netflix movie lifts up Rustin and showcases how the March on Washington succeeded because of a collective effort led by him. Furthermore, Domingo is at his best in Rustin.
Often seen in supporting roles, Rustin allows Domingo to showcase his ability to radiate charisma and fully embody his character. It’s a star-making role.
When talking about the upcoming award season, Domingo’s name needs to absolutely join the conversation. The entire cast as well.
Rustin is full of impeccable performances. Additionally, it has some of the best character actors of all time. They deliver in recreating these pivotal and important historical figures.
Aml Ameen is especially great as Martin Luther King Jr. Debatably, he may have given one of the best King Jr. performances of all time.
Many may call Rustin formulaic as a biopic, but it makes some fascinating storytelling choices that take it away from the stereotypical biopic.
It’s a vibrant film that’s emotional, uplifting, powerful, fun at times, heartbreaking in other moments, and a way to honor an important figure in the fight for equal rights in America.
Check out the photos and promo video below for a preview!
film description:
The architect of 1963’s momentous March on Washington, Bayard Rustin was one of the greatest activists and organizers the world has ever known. He challenged authority, never apologized for who he was, what he believed, or who he desired. And he did not back down. He made history, and in turn, he was forgotten. Directed by DGA Award and five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe and starring Emmy Award winner Colman Domingo, Rustin shines a long overdue spotlight on the extraordinary man who, alongside giants like the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., Adam Clayton Powell Jr., and Ella Baker, dared to imagine a different world, and inspired a movement in a march toward freedom.
Written by: Julian Breece, Dustin Lance Black
Directed by: George C. Wolfe
Photos from Rustin:
Jeffrey Wright as Adam Clayton Powell.
CR: Courtesy NETFLIX
Promo video:
What are your hopes for Rustin? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and be sure to read our future review of Rustin.
Rustin premieres in theaters on November 3 and on Netflix on November 17.
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Jerrica Tisdale
Jerrica Tisdale is your favorite neighborhood pop culture junkie. She will annoy you with random TV and film facts, while complaining about whatever is the hottest new book. She has been a TV fan all her life but writing about it for over a decade. You may find her work all over the internet especially reality TV rants. She is a senior writer at Tell-Tale TV.