Respect

The rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom.

A standard-issue biopic whose subject's transcendent talent is undercut by conventional storytelling, though Jennifer Hudson's lead performance commands attention.

• the film builds its emotional arc around recording and stage sequences of the singer's music
• the plot follows an abusive marriage and a controlling father alongside her rise to stardom

• Rayshared biographical music drama centered on a singer's rise and personal struggles
• Walk the Lineshared female music icon biopic with strong lead performance and family trauma
• What's Love Got to Do with Itshared music biopic arc of talent, abusive relationships, and triumphant recording

Director

Liesl Tommy

Release Date

2021-08-12

Runtime

145 min

Rating

6.8 / 10 (491)

What is Respect about?

The story of Aretha Franklin's first two decades, from gifted childhood in a prominent Detroit family through an abusive marriage to the recording of her landmark gospel album Amazing Grace.

What is Respect like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Respect as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Respect violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Respect.

What did critics think of Respect?

A standard-issue biopic whose subject's transcendent talent is undercut by conventional storytelling, though Jennifer Hudson's lead performance commands attention.

Which films are like Respect?

Films with a similar feel include Ray, Walk the Line, and What's Love Got to Do with It.

How long is Respect?

Respect runs 145 minutes.

Where can I watch Respect?

In United States, Respect streams on YouTube Free.