(2021): Respect

The 2021 biographical drama chronicles the first three decades of Aretha Franklin’s life, tracing her journey from a child prodigy in Detroit to her rise as a global soul icon. Directed by Liesl Tommy in her feature debut, the film stars Jennifer Hudson—who was personally handpicked for the role by Franklin before her death in 2018. Narrative and Performance

: The transition from singing in her father's church choir to recording jazz standards at Columbia Records and eventually finding her signature soul sound at Atlantic Records.

: Dramatic portrayals of her relationship with her abusive first husband and manager, Ted White (Marlon Wayans), and her battle with "demons" like alcohol and trauma-induced depression.

The story begins in 1952, highlighting Franklin's upbringing in a prominent African-American family led by her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin (Forest Whitaker). It explores several pivotal aspects of her life, including:

: Her close ties to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement.

: The film concludes with the 1972 recording of her landmark live gospel album, Amazing Grace . Critical and Commercial Reception