Cynthia Erivo’s performance is a real highlight as the woman at the center of the story, portraying her efforts to break free from a legacy of enslavement and then help liberate her family and community from harsh rule. The portrayal of her resolve, along with her spirit and bravery, does come across effectively, but unfortunately the rest of the production feels comparable to a standard television film. It’s not tha…

While 'Harriet' relies on familiar storytelling devices and seems overly concerned with achieving a certain impact, this doesn’t diminish the superb performances, remarkable score, or the powerful reality of Harriet Tubman's courage. Considering the current climate with Black Lives Matter highlighting ongoing struggles against violence and systemic racism within the United States, 'Harriet' unfortunately functions as…