Respect

Respect traces Aretha Franklin's ascent from a child singing in her father C L Franklin's gospel choir to a global soul powerhouse. The film sketches her early experiences in Detroit, where gospel feeds a rare voice that could bend any room. We see a prodigious singer navigating church traditions, family expectations, and a music industry that tests her resolve. As Aretha grows, she hones a fearless sound that fuses gospel, R&B, and pop, while a fraught marriage and the weight of public attention create obstacles to her art. It's a portrait of power, vulnerability, and a voice that would define an era.

Directed by Liesl Tommy, Respect presents Aretha Franklin's life as a cinematic biopic, guided by Tracey Scott Wilson's screenplay with help from Callie Khouri. The 2021 release spotlights her Detroit gospel roots, the evolution of her voice, and the complex bonds with family and collaborators. With a production budget around 55 million, the film balances intimate vocal performances with large scale concert scenes and period detail, anchored by Jennifer Hudson as Aretha and Forest Whitaker as C L Franklin.

Respect reintroduces Aretha's music to new listeners and anchors her as a force within civil rights era culture. Key performances illustrate how her gospel training becomes a universal language, and the title song 'Respect' lingers beyond the credits, shaping conversations about voice, agency, and empowerment.

Critics praised Jennifer Hudson's vocal transformation and Liesl Tommy's bold direction, though some felt the scope skimmed over periods of Aretha's life. The film foregrounds ambition and resilience while examining faith, family loyalty, and the price of greatness in the spotlight.

Awards: Hudson's performance earned nominations across major ceremonies, highlighting her portrayal of Aretha Franklin. The film and its cast were recognized for vocal work and dramatic portrayal, underscoring Respect as a noteworthy biopic of a music icon.