Opened: November 3, 2023

Directed by: George C. Wolfe

Starring: Colman Domingo, Aml Ameen, Glynn Turman, Chris Rock, Gus Halper, Johnny Ramey, CCH Pounder, Michael Potts, Audra McDonald, Jeffrey Wright, Lilli Kay, Jordan-Amanda Hall, Jakeem Powell, Ayana Workman, Grantham Coleman, Jamilah Rosemond, Jules Latimer, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper, Frank Harts, Kevin Mambo, Carra Patterson, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Adrienne Warren, Bill Irwin, Jamar Williams, Hope Clarke, Rashad Demond Edwards & Cotter Smith

As an openly gay, black man in the 1960s, the courageous Bayard Rustin is largely forgotten in history, but this film – produced by Barack and Michelle Obama – brings his incredible story to light.

Intent on making a stronger impact with the Civil Rights movement, Bayard Rustin (Colman Domingo) proposes a march on Washington, D.C., with 100,000 peaceful protestors. Working with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Aml Ameen), Bayard makes his dream a reality.

The film has the difficult task of showing how Rustin was discriminated against by white people for his skin color and by black people for his sexuality. There’s a good balance found, though both could have been explored further.

Domingo is a powerful force that dominates the wordy screenplay with ease. He shines as he well-deservingly takes center stage.

Final say: A worthy historical figure brought forward. ★★★★☆