Respect

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2021Biography, Drama

61%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jennifer Hudson sings her heart out in this uneven Aretha Franklin biopic that hits the right notes musically but struggles with the heavy story.

6.6/10

68%

95%

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Respect

movie

PG-13, 2021, Biography, Drama

61%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Jennifer Hudson sings her heart out in this uneven Aretha Franklin biopic that hits the right notes musically but struggles with the heavy story.

6.6

68%

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6.6/10

68%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Jennifer Hudson can sing—that part is undeniable. And Aretha Franklin's story deserves to be told. But this movie is caught between wanting to be a crowd-pleasing musical biopic and needing to reckon with some truly dark material: childhood rape, domestic violence, addiction, exploitation.

The result is competent but uneven. Critics were lukewarm (68%), audiences liked it more (95%), but that 6.6 IMDb score tells the real story—it's fine, not great. The performances elevate mediocre filmmaking.

For families with older teens (14+), it's a decent conversation starter about resilience, the music industry, and what it cost Black women to succeed in the 1960s-70s. Just know you're signing up for some heavy content that requires maturity to process. If your teen isn't ready for discussions about sexual abuse and domestic violence, wait.

Age Fit

This is strictly for ages 14 and up due to the depiction of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse. It's best for high schoolers and adults who appreciate biographical dramas and can process heavy themes. Younger teens may find it too intense.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Tells an inspiring story of Aretha Franklin finding her voice and overcoming adversity, but deals with heavy mature themes including domestic abuse, alcoholism, and the rape of a 12-year-old (Aretha herself) leading to pregnancy. The redemptive arc is emotionally healthy, but the journey includes significant darkness that's not appropriate for younger viewers.

Imaginative

Standard biopic structure following the well-worn rise-to-stardom template. While it showcases Franklin's musical genius and creative process, the film itself doesn't break new ground cinematically. Hudson's performances of the songs are the highlight, but this is more dutiful than inventive storytelling.

Safe

Contains implied rape of a 12-year-old, domestic violence, heavy drinking leading to fights, and moderate profanity. These aren't gratuitous but they're present and significant. Common Sense Media rates it 14+, which is appropriate—this has content that would be disturbing for younger viewers to encounter unexpectedly.

Enriching

Strong biographical value showing a Black woman's journey through the music industry, civil rights era, and personal trauma to become the Queen of Soul. Offers insight into systemic racism, misogyny, and the cost of fame. Jennifer Hudson's performance is powerful, and the music is obviously iconic. Prompts important conversations about resilience and finding your voice.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Jennifer Hudson's vocal performances are stunning—she does justice to Aretha's iconic catalog
Shows the intersection of civil rights, racism, and misogyny in the music industry during a pivotal era
Depicts a powerful arc of resilience: from childhood trauma to finding agency and voice
Sparks conversations about domestic abuse, substance abuse, and the cost women pay for success
The music alone makes it worth watching for teens who can handle the mature content

⚠

What to Watch For

Implied rape of 12-year-old Aretha leading to pregnancy—handled carefully but still disturbing
Domestic violence scenes with Aretha's abusive husband
Heavy drinking and drug use, fights, and emotional intensity throughout
This is a 14+ film, period—not suitable for middle schoolers despite the music appeal
Mixed critical reception (68% RT, 6.6 IMDb) means it's not a must-watch, just a decent-watch

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it took for Aretha to leave her abusive husband? Why is that so hard?"
"How did racism and sexism make Aretha's path to success even harder?"
"The movie shows her father as both supportive and controlling—what did you think about their relationship?"
"Why do you think music became Aretha's way of finding her voice and power?"
"How did the civil rights movement connect to Aretha's personal journey?"

Deep Dive

The Audience-Critic Gap

There is a massive disconnect between how critics and fans viewed this film. A 95% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes compared to a 61 on Metacritic usually means one thing: the movie hits the emotional notes perfectly even if the filmmaking is a bit standard. Critics found it a bit long-winded, but for anyone who loves the music, those flaws likely won't matter. The vocal performances carry the weight when the script starts to feel like a checklist of life events.

More Than a Greatest Hits Reel

If you’re expecting a lighthearted musical, this isn't it. The film focuses heavily on the concept of agency. We watch Aretha deal with profound childhood trauma and then spend years being controlled by the men in her life. The middle of the movie can feel frustrating as we watch her struggle to find her own sound, but that makes the eventual recording of her biggest hits feel like a genuine victory. It’s a slow-burn realization that her "voice" wasn't just about her literal singing, but her power to say no to the people around her.

Where it Fits

This is a solid choice if your teen is starting to show interest in how the music industry actually works. It pairs well with other movies about Black music that look at the intersection of the church and the broader civil rights movement. Unlike some flashier biopics that focus solely on the "rock star" lifestyle, this one is rooted in the specific struggles of a Black woman in the 1960s trying to navigate a world that wanted her talent but not her opinion. If they’ve seen more sanitized versions of music history, this provides a necessary reality check.

Why the 14+ Rating Sticks

The ratings for "Moderate" intensity aren't just for show here. The domestic violence scenes are visceral and uncomfortable. They don't just show a quick argument; they show the systemic way an abusive partner can isolate a person. It’s a heavy lift for a family movie night, but if you have a high schooler who can handle the darker side of a biography, it's worth it for the music. Just be prepared for that 6.6 IMDb energy—it’s a competent movie, but it might not be the masterpiece the trailers suggested.

Stills