Harriet

By Zola Kambandu Schilz

Harriet, which opened in theatres Nov. 1, 2019, is an absolutely phenomenal film detailing the life of one Harriet Tubman (played by Cynthia Erivo), a leading abolitionist who escaped slavery in 1849 and later went on to aid in the freeing nearly 300 slaves through the Underground Railroad (including members of her own family). 

The film begins with a failed debate over the freeing of Harriet and her siblings. The man owning the family of slaves passes, and Harriet is put up for sale. Upon finding this out, Harriet opts instead to escape the farm, embarking on a long journey to Philadelphia, where she meets William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.) and registers herself as free. Harriet stays in the care of  a woman by the name Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monae), who was born free. After living peacefully for a year, Harriet is unsatisfied with her life, claiming that she cannot sleep until her husband is with her. She turns to Willam for help, which William denies, but Harriet is determined to rescue her husband herself. These are Harriet’s beginnings as the film describes them.

Although the movie does not hold 100 percent accuracy, it is surely a force to be reckoned with. The movie is truly an awe-striking take on the life of an inspiring woman. However, a part of the film’s “wow” factor comes from this new sanctified version of Harriet Tubman, which is not the truth of history but instead adds unnecessary dramatics to her life and adventures. 

While it may not be the most historically accurate representation of Harriet’s life, by making her seem like an almost spiritual being—spiritual, not fanatical—it sets aside room for use of the amazing vocals of actress Cynthia Erivo. In clips throughout the film, viewers hear snippets of her raw singing voice as she sings in coded words, alerting her family of her arrivals and departures. 
During the film, viewers see snapshots of Harriet experiencing spiritual visions, and dreams that seem to guide her through her journeys. While these are important towards the overall film structure and plot, by including them, they almost give the audience an impression that Harriet is a being of fantasy and guidance. Her story has inspired and guided many people, sure, but the fact is this representation is not correct. Some people already have a belief that Harriet Tubman was something out of an illustrator’s mind, and some have no faith that she was actually real. The inclusion of these visions takes away from the rawness and realness of Harriet’s character. This does not change the fact that Harriet is a must see film, though it would be lovely to see more of her raw character shining through on the silver screen.