The recently released film “Shirley,” directed by John Ridley, aims to encapsulate the historic 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm (played by Regina King), the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to vie for the Democratic presidential nomination. While the film admirably shows Chisholm’s guts against the suppressive misogynoir she faced, its storytelling remains as sanitized and routine as Netflix’s previous films.
Opening with Chisholm’s entry into Congress and ending with a majority focus on her presidential race, “Shirley” provides a chronology of the protagonist's political journey, showcasing her undeterred resolve amidst a predominantly white male political sphere. It also emphasizes Chisholm’s belief that politics belonged to the people, which served as her driving force. What it fails to deliver is a nuanced character study, instead reducing Chisholm’s life to a sequence of events resembling a history lesson.
While Ridley tries to craft a vibrant political dossier with the film, it falls short due to the lack of attention to detail. The biopic ultimately fails to allow emotional investment in its titular character, presenting her as little more than a representation of ambition. It limits her portrayal to her political milestones and determination, overlooking the multifaceted woman behind the public figure.
Regina King’s strong performance is overshadowed by the film’s decision to prioritize events over character development. Chisholm’s family life and personal relationships, such as those with her sister and husband, remain largely unexplored. The persistent portrayal of Chisholm as a mere symbol obstructs the potential for a more complex and empathetic depiction.
In its tendency to highlight achievement over persona, “Shirley” unfortunately misses the opportunity to present a richer, more inspiring account of Shirley Chisholm’s life and political trajectory.
