The film opens with a disturbing display of violence perpetrated by a man (Alex Pettyfer) who holds the view that the Black laborers on his family’s cotton plantation are essentially without value. He commits rape and then kills a man for voicing a small protest! Vanessa Redgrave portrays his mother, who develops an affection for the orphaned boy resulting from this tragedy and elevates him from field work to a position as their house servant. By learning how to remain inconspicuous and navigate social expectations, he swiftly rises in status, eventually securing a role within the White House. This time spent there, concluding during the Reagan era, provides a useful lens through which to portray the progression of the American civil rights movement, shifts—and failures to shift—in perspectives, and offers some understanding of how the Oval Office and its occupants function. The ensemble cast is noteworthy, though aside from Oprah Winfrey, who plays his wife "Gloria," most characters appear only briefly as the story unfolds. Their personal life experiences hardship and difficulty; one of their sons is committed to actively working toward securing freedom from oppression, a pursuit fraught with danger for himself and those connected to him. The storyline also subtly highlights discrimination in various areas – encompassing salary discrepancies, advancement possibilities, segregated seating in a diner, and acknowledges the Vietnam War with sadness. It’s perhaps the understated manner in which it depicts pervasive racism that proves most impactful. This approach permits viewers to develop alongside the protagonist, sometimes gradually, at other times with jarring effect, which is attributable to Whitaker's performance, who conveys a sense of integrity that’s difficult to ignore. The film maintains a good rhythm and features a fitting musical score, making it worth watching.

Source on TMDB