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This documentary explores the life and career of legendary singer Billie Holiday, whose unforgettable voice transformed American music. Known for her captivating performances and extraordinary talent, Holiday also challenged audiences with songs like "Strange Fruit," confronting racial injustice. The film combines archival footage with insights from fellow musicians including Charles Mingus, Tony Bennett, and Count Basie, offering a revealing portrait of a complex and iconic artist.

This documentary explores the life and career of legendary singer Billie Holiday, whose unforgettable voice transformed American music. Known for her captivating performances and extraordinary talent, Holiday also challenged audiences with songs like "Strange Fruit," confronting racial injustice. The film combines archival footage with insights from fellow musicians including Charles Mingus, Tony Bennett, and Count Basie, offering a revealing portrait of a complex and iconic artist.

Does Billie have end credit scenes?

No!

Billie does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Billie

Explore the complete cast of Billie, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for Billie

See how Billie is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Billie stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

75

Billie delivers a thoughtful portrayal of its subject with a strong emphasis on character depth and archival material. While critics and audiences alike commend the extensive audio interviews and the documentary’s detailed examination of Holiday’s life, some find the interwoven biographer narrative and occasional lapses in pacing to be distracting. The film’s sensory design and archival footage are broadly appealing, though its structural unevenness limits broader engagement. Overall, Billie serves as an insightful tribute with some narrative imperfections.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Billie

70
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of direction and editing, Billie presents a blend of archival footage and newly crafted sequences that feel visually engaging but occasionally uneven. The integration of audio interviews into the visual framework creates moments of cohesion, yet the framing device can feel intrusive. Ultimately, the film’s craftsmanship delivers a generally polished but inconsistent experience.

85
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character depth and emotional resonance, Billie excels in uncovering Holiday’s personal history through the voices of those who knew her best. The extensive audio testimonies provide nuanced insight into her motivations and struggles. The dual narrative approach enriches understanding of both the artist and the biographer’s pursuit. Overall, the film achieves a compelling emotional portrait.

55
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of plot coherence and pacing, the film offers an uneven narrative that alternates between Holiday’s life and the biographer’s research. While the structure introduces originality, the back-and-forth chronology occasionally disrupts engagement. Some viewers cite lapses in momentum due to the framing device. Overall, the story holds interest but lacks consistent fluidity.

75
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to sensory experience, Billie leverages archival sound design and period music to evoke Holiday’s era with authenticity. The film’s visual style, grounded in monochromatic archival footage interspersed with modern sequences, enhances atmospheric cohesion. Some may find the reliance on audio recordings less dynamic, but overall the sensory approach effectively immerses the audience in the subject’s world.

65
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch value, Billie offers particular appeal to jazz enthusiasts and those interested in Holiday’s biography. The depth of archival material rewards repeat viewings for its historical detail, yet the uneven narrative structure diminishes broader replayability. While the film’s portrait can reveal new nuances on subsequent watches, its appeal remains strongest for dedicated fans rather than a general audience.

Metacritic

71

Metascore

5.0

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

97%

TOMATOMETER

review

77%

User Score

IMDb

6.9 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

69

%

User Score

Letterboxd

4.1

From 1K fan ratings

Movie Insider

0.00/5

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for Billie

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from Billie. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Billie | Official Trailer

Movie Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


jazzaudio recordinginterviewdrug addictionmusic documentarybaltimore marylandpimpharlem manhattan new york cityreference to prohibitionreference to the cotton clubsmoking marijuanaapollo theatre new york cityreference to bessie smithreference to louis armstrongyear 1971reference to otis reddingreference to chuck berrycultural appropriationbus tripsegregationreference to martin luther king jr.los angeles californiayear 1972reference to tallulah bankheadsan francisco californiareference to duke ellingtonyear 1977funeralreference to sandra blandwritten by directorwriter director producern wordforename as titlefemale singermusic starsongstressone word titlesingertaped interviewjazz singerafrican americanafrican american womanjazz music1970stitle spoken by character

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