Wednesday, BBC1, 1:35am
Liesl Tommy’s Respect (2021) is a grand, if sometimes conventional, biopic that traces the rise of Aretha Franklin from a gospel-singing prodigy to the undisputed Queen of Soul. Jennifer Hudson delivers a powerhouse performance, embodying Franklin’s commanding stage presence while capturing the nuances of her personal struggles with family, faith, and fame. While the film leans on familiar genre tropes—its narrative arc mirroring many music biopics before it—Hudson’s immersive portrayal and a deep reverence for Franklin’s legacy keep Respect engaging. The film shines brightest in its musical sequences, where Hudson’s voice, infused with raw emotion and technical prowess, bridges the past and present, reminding audiences why Franklin’s music remains immortal.
The soundtrack is a stunning tribute, blending re-recordings of Franklin’s greatest hits with live performances that carry both nostalgia and renewed energy. Hudson’s renditions of classics like Ain’t No Way and (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman demonstrate her remarkable vocal agility while honoring the original recordings' spirit. The film builds to a thrilling climax with Respect, the anthem that cemented Franklin’s status as both a musical powerhouse and a voice for civil rights. While some purists may miss the richness of Franklin’s original recordings, Hudson’s interpretations avoid mere mimicry, instead channeling the essence of Franklin’s artistry with undeniable reverence.
Beyond its music, Respect underscores Franklin’s journey of self-discovery and agency, using its soundtrack as an emotional throughline. Each song is carefully positioned to reflect her evolving personal and professional struggles—whether it’s Think soundtracking a pivotal moment of defiance or Amazing Grace anchoring her return to gospel roots. Though the film occasionally hesitates to delve into Franklin’s more complex contradictions, it remains an earnest love letter to her genius. At its core, Respect thrives on the enduring power of its subject’s music, proving that Franklin’s voice—whether through Hudson or her timeless recordings—still resonates with seismic force.
- Daisy Rae