Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- earnest
- nostalgic
- emotionally intense
- music history night
- biopic marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the film entertaining and respectful of Aretha Franklin’s legacy, with Jennifer Hudson’s performance and singing praised despite a conventional, surface-level biopic structure.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film covers the first two decades of Aretha Franklin’s life, condensing childhood, career breakthroughs, abuse, addiction, and international stardom.
Aretha’s movement from musical prodigy to self-directed star is expressed through her increasingly powerful singing and culminates in the Amazing Grace recording.
Aretha confronts a controlling father, an abusive husband, and exploitative music-industry relationships while pursuing artistic independence.
Jennifer Hudson’s vocal performances and staged musical sequences are central to the film’s depiction of Franklin’s artistic identity.
Films like Respect, and why
Judy
music biopic centered on a Black female singer’s rise to stardom, family trauma, industry pressures, and commanding vocal performances
Ray
prestige musical biopic portraying an iconic performer’s difficult personal life alongside career-defining music
What’s Love Got to Do with It
female-centered music drama about artistic ambition, abusive relationships, exploitation, and self-reclamation
The United States vs. Billie Holiday
historical music biopic driven by a legendary singer’s performance style, cultural impact, and professional struggles
Movie Details
- Director
- Liesl Tommy
- Release Date
- 2021-08-12
- Runtime
- 145 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (487)
Cast
- Jennifer Hudson
- Forest Whitaker
- Marlon Wayans
- Audra McDonald
- Mary J. Blige
- Marc Maron
- Tituss Burgess
- Saycon Sengbloh
- Hailey Kilgore
- Tate Donovan
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- 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 Respect about?
- Aretha Franklin fights through family loss, abusive relationships, and industry control to claim her voice as a defining force in American music.
- What is Respect like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Respect as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Respect violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Respect as moderate.
- What did critics think of Respect?
- Critics broadly found the film entertaining and respectful of Aretha Franklin’s legacy, with Jennifer Hudson’s performance and singing praised despite a conventional, surface-level biopic structure.
- Which films are like Respect?
- Films with a similar feel include Judy, Ray, What’s Love Got to Do with It, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
- How long is Respect?
- Respect runs 145 minutes.
- Where can I watch Respect?
- In United States, Respect is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
