Netflix has dropped the first trailer for Shirley, a biopic about the political rise of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black U.S. Congresswoman.
Academy Award-winner Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) takes on the role of the charismatic political leader who was known for her optimism and determined spirit — a necessary trait to have during a time when America had just begun to move past segregation laws. In the trailer, Chisholm has her sights set on the 1972 U.S. presidential race, and she’s got some pretty big opponents to face along the way — mostly white Congressmen. But she doesn’t give up, and (spoiler alert) while she doesn’t win, Chisholm makes sure she doesn’t go down without a fight.
Shirley is directed and written by John Ridley, who wrote the award-winning script for Twelve Years a Slave. The film also stars Terrence Howard, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Christina Jackson, André Holland, Lucas Hedges and the late Lance Reddick.
It’s rarely comfortable to look at America’s history with race and politics, but it is necessary to understand our past in order to work toward a better future. Chisholm’s story is a reminder that one person’s determination can snowball into change for all. Perhaps that’s something we could all be reminded of these days.
Shirley premieres on Netflix on March 22.
