The poignant conclusion is as bitter as it is heartbreaking, because, fictional though it is, its story of racism, rage and lost promise shows an essential truth.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 23, 2024

While not perfect, it’s another milestone for Netflix in delivering smart, adult fare to theaters, and a gorgeous swansong for an actor gone too soon.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 14, 2024

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom leaves a little to be desired, even though Boseman gives the performance of his career. It’s a shame that the film he is in isn’t as wonderful as he, but with this, he leaves a legacy.

| Original Score: B- | Apr 4, 2024

Unabashedly stagy in many respects, a quality that can work both ways — but, ultimately, the crackling current that runs through Davis and Boseman’s acting gives the movie all the blazing, goosebump-inducing immediacy of a live performance.

| Oct 14, 2023

Wolfe with Wilson's play created a thought-provoking, theatrical piece with striking performances, that are owned by these Black creators.

| Aug 22, 2023

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom focuses its spotlight on long, uncut, engaging monologues, captivating dialogues, and entertaining banter, all handled effortlessly by every actor involved.

| Original Score: A- | Jul 24, 2023

Although the backdrop of this film is about the recording of a 1920’s Blues song, it is about more than the Blues or even Ma Rainey for that matter. The film tackles the subjects of race and sexual identity and is as relevant today as ever.

| Jul 20, 2023

For Wolfe, a veteran of the stage as a director, he is able to convert August Wilson’s 1920s story of aspiring glory into an image-carrying film.

| Mar 6, 2023

It ultimately leaves the audience with more questions than answers. And for a film like this, the journey shouldn’t be vastly more important than destination.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Dec 6, 2022

Every time he steps up to the proverbial mic, [Boseman] reminds the audience of his incredible talent that will be sorely missed from the silver screen.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 12, 2022

Unapologetically Black, unapologetically queer, and otherwordly talented...

| Sep 28, 2022

This one cuts deep.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Sep 9, 2022

Interesting and intense... perhaps Chadwick Boseman's best work. [Full review in Spanish]

| Sep 8, 2022

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is the rare play adaptation that actually feels “alive,” thanks to the towering talents of Chadwick Boseman and Viola Davis.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 1, 2022

Ruben Santiago-Hudson fills his scenes with rich soulful dialogue and you have such flavored performances from a stellar ensemble.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 23, 2022

Boseman and Davis are the most alluring attractions in this talented ensemble, all giving great work for the purpose of, once again, exposing the intricate and distinct tales of the Black experience.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Jun 5, 2022

It’s one of the most thoroughly well-rounded, excellently made films of the year.

| May 20, 2022

The focus of the film is more on Levee, Chadwick Boseman’s character. It felt like Viola was the pull but I was left wanting to learn even more about Ma Rainey than before. However, that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy the film because I absolutely did.

| Apr 13, 2022

Boseman, in his final role, gives the performance of his life.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 13, 2022

Moments of joy are interwoven with pain, as Chadwick Boseman bids farewell with a performance that sums up the authentic brilliance of his career.

| Original Score: 5/5 | Feb 28, 2022