Overview
A powerful portrayal of the struggle for civil rights and the fight for equality in America.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- stirring
- tense
- serious
- historical film night
- classroom discussion
What critics said
Critics broadly praised Ava DuVernay's assured direction, David Oyelowo's gripping performance, and the film's suspenseful, emotionally resonant treatment of the civil rights campaign, while noting historical omissions and disputed characterizations.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
King's campaign is shown through coordinated work by activists, clergy, organizers, and local communities during the Selma voting-rights struggle.
David Oyelowo's King is presented as a visionary strategist whose public authority coexists with domestic strain and difficult political choices.
The marches and confrontations with racist authorities are staged through intimate human-scale reactions as well as public spectacle.
The film frames the 1965 voting-rights campaign as a landmark victory while emphasizing the distance between civil rights ideals and lived reality.
Films like Selma, and why
Malcolm X
shared biographical drama form, historical injustice, moral conviction, and emotionally forceful performances
The Butler
shared civil rights history, ensemble activism, racial injustice, and stirring political drama
Gandhi
shared historical drama, grassroots resistance, institutional racism, and inspirational social change
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom
shared biographical drama, political leadership, racial justice, and restrained but powerful rhetoric
Movie Details
- Director
- Ava DuVernay
- Release Date
- 2014-12-25
- Runtime
- 128 min
- Rating
- 7.4 / 10 (2370)
Cast
- David Oyelowo
- Carmen Ejogo
- Tom Wilkinson
- Giovanni Ribisi
- Tim Roth
- André Holland
- Colman Domingo
- Common
- Stephan James
- Omar J. Dorsey
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Starz Apple TV channel
- Rent
- JustWatch TV, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Selma about?
- A stirring biographical drama follows Martin Luther King Jr. and fellow activists as they confront racist violence to win voting rights in 1965 Alabama.
- What is Selma like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Selma as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Selma violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Selma as moderate.
- What did critics think of Selma?
- Critics broadly praised Ava DuVernay's assured direction, David Oyelowo's gripping performance, and the film's suspenseful, emotionally resonant treatment of the civil rights campaign, while noting historical omissions and disputed characterizations.
- Which films are like Selma?
- Films with a similar feel include Malcolm X, The Butler, Gandhi, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.
- How long is Selma?
- Selma runs 128 minutes.
- Where can I watch Selma?
- In United States, Selma streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Starz Apple TV channel.
