Shirley

The reverent and straightforward approach of Shirley plays it safe compared to the trailblazing ferocity of its subject.

However, a committed performance by Regina King in the title role makes this biopic a worthwhile tribute to New York activist and political pioneer Shirley Chisholm, enabling her words and legacy to inspire a new generation.

The film begins with Shirley becoming the first Black woman to be elected to Congress in 1968. At first she’s idealistic and naïve, very aware of the barriers she’s facing and perhaps too eager to bulldoze them down.

Charismatic and outspoken, she becomes a working-class crusader who’s proud of her heritage and knows how to command a room. Focused on racial equality and women’s rights, she launches an underdog grassroots bid for president three years later.

“I’m trying to give politics back to the people,” she explains to a former intern (Lucas Hedges) who helps to organize young voters key to her potential success.

Still, Shirley’s stubbornness and defiant refusal to compromise frustrates staffers such as her advisor (Lance Reddick) and campaign manager (Terrence Howard), and creates friction with her husband (Michael Cherrie) and sister (Reina King).

While becoming a voice for the downtrodden and disenfranchised, she struggles to be taken seriously on a national level against established Democratic candidates such as George McGovern and Hubert Humphrey, as well as segregationist George Wallace, eventually leading her to question whether it was all worth it.

The screenplay by director John Ridley (writer of 12 Years a Slave) hits the highlights along the campaign trail — trying to manufacture drama around the 1972 Democratic National Convention specifically — but resonates most powerfully during its infrequent glimpses into her personal life or her moments of quiet reflection.

Even when the film turns hagiographic or heavy-handed, and wish for more context to flesh out her motives and aspirations, we admire Shirley’s dignity and tenacity.

A richly textured portrayal by King (If Beale Street Could Talk) goes beyond mimicry of speech and mannerisms, depicting an independent thinker whose philosophy still echoes in a contemporary Washington climate dominated by special interests, deep-pocketed lobbyists, and partisan puppets.

Shirley illustrates how she was ahead of her time. We start by knowing her as a politician, and come away knowing her as a person.

Rated PG-13, 117 minutes.