Shirley

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2:06

Shirley

PG-13

Released Mar 15, 2024

1h 57m

Drama

Biography

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Popcornmeter

75%

Tomatometer

75 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

The story of the first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run for president of the United States.

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Critics Consensus

Regina King does a stellar job in Shirley's title role, imbuing this fairly standard biopic with the heart and soul its subject so richly deserves.

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Ronda Racha Penrice

TheWrap

Not only does [King] don Chisholm’s clothes, adopt her hairstyle, recreate her distinctive smile, and attempt her Bajan-tinged accent, she digs at the core of who Chisholm was in that moment—principled and fearless.

Aug 8, 2024

Full Review

Verne Gay

Newsday

"Shirley" plays like the last episode of a four-part TV series, and a pretty good one at that.

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 8, 2024

Full Review

Moira MacDonald

Seattle Times

Regina King, also a producer of the film, is an inspired choice for the role, and her Shirley is made up of endless strength, kindness and courage.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 1, 2024

Full Review

Marissa Hill

Shade Studios

If you're interested in learning about someone who might not have been covered in your history books, it could be an enlightening watch.

Jul 29, 2025

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Jack Martin

Film Feeder

Shirley is a well-meaning political biopic that features a strong central performance by Regina King, but a reliance on the same formula as Netflix’s similarly safe Rustin ultimately renders it unmemorable.

Rated: 3/5

Aug 5, 2024

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Rory Doherty

InSession Film

It's an anxiety-inducing relationship drama that dives headfirst into the responsibilities and ethics of creative writing, and I can't wait to revisit it again and again.

Jun 13, 2024

Full Review

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J A Viewer

The actors are incredible-retelling of Chisholm career forever cemented

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/20/24

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Kyle M

Never mind how standard this been told when all it matters is respectfully replicating the inspirational significance surrounding the subject. From writer-director John Ridley’s simplistic deft approach and Regina King’s remarkable portrayal, this political film of buried influential history and unprecedented ambition becomes known in a timely matter that certifies its justified timeless relevance, expressing the accessible story as it tackles the true meaning of how politics should be. (B+)

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/12/25

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Yaroslav V

Der Film hinterlässt einen guten Nachgeschmack. Schauspielerei ist nicht immer am besten, die Mitte des Films ist etwas schwer zu sehen, aber man fühlt sich mit der Hauptfigur voll und ganz. Im Allgemeinen ist ein wunderbarer Film sehenswert, aber egal wie viel es ist, diesen Film werden Sie nicht 100 mal sehen.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/05/25

Full Review

Dave C

This is the type of biopic we need more of - characters and personalities of huge significance who are lesser known than they deserve to be. A well cast array of talent do the story justice, but there is a lack of energy and emotional drive holding it back from realising its potential

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

Full Review

Steve D

I found it unconvincing because it changed too much for effect.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

10/01/24

Full Review

Horror fan 4

What a stellar performance from Regina King. Love movie's based on true stories. Tim Treakle

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/08/24

Full Review

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John Ridley

Director

Regina King

Shirley Chisholm

Lance Reddick

Wesley McDonald "Mac" Holder

Terrence Howard

Arthur Hardwick Jr.

Lucas Hedges

Robert Gottlieb

Michael Cherrie

Conrad Chisholm

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Shirley: Trailer 1

2:06

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Synopsis

The story of the first Black congresswoman, Shirley Chisholm, and her trailblazing run for president of the United States.

Director: John Ridley
Producer: Elizabeth Haggard, Regina King, Reina King, Anikah McLaren, John Ridley
Screenwriter: John Ridley
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Participant, Royal Ties Productions, BCD Travel
Rating: PG-13 (Some Smoking|Racial Slurs|Brief Violence|Strong Language)
Genre: Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 15, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 22, 2024
Runtime: 1h 57m

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