Respect 2021

In the year 1952, 10-year-old Aretha Franklin (Jennifer Hudson) resides in Detroit, Michigan, with her family, including her father, C.L. (Forest Whitaker), her brother Cecil (Leroy McClain), and her sisters Erma (Saycon Sengbloh) and Carolyn (Hailey Kilgore). C.L. serves as the pastor of the largest Baptist church in the area and frequently hosts gatherings filled with friends and acquaintances at their home, all while navigating a divorce from his wife Barbara (Audra McDonald).

A traumatic event occurs when an adult family friend takes advantage of Aretha during a fragile time marked by her mother’s sudden passing. This leads Aretha to withdraw from speaking for weeks until C.L. compels her to sing before their church congregation. Despite the turmoil she has endured, she remains silent about her assault and the identity of her assailant, leaving a profound impact on her psyche.

Fast forward seven years, and Aretha emerges as a teenage mother of two. She joins her father, supporting Martin Luther King in rallying support for the civil rights movement through music. At a gathering at C.L.’s home, she meets Ted White (Marlon Wayans), a local producer, sparking a connection that is abruptly interrupted by C.L., who insists Ted keep his distance from the family. Later on, C.L. surprises Aretha with tickets to meet John Hammond (Tate Donovan), an executive at Columbia Records. Following an offer for a record contract, Aretha begins her journey into the world of jazz music, producing albums such as “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive.”

However, despite four albums, Aretha struggles to find her defining hit. One evening, while singing a tribute to Dinah Washington (Mary J. Blige), a longtime family friend, the atmosphere turns tense when Dinah reacts negatively to Aretha’s performance. Dinah encourages her to focus on music that resonates with her instead of conforming to the polished image demanded by her father.

As Aretha and Ted develop a romantic relationship, frustration mounts over her lack of success. Aretha begins skipping recording sessions, much to her father’s disappointment. Determined to take charge of her life, she introduces Ted to her family despite discontent from her father and sisters. Following a confrontation, Aretha expresses her desire for Ted to manage her career; C.L. reluctantly agrees, vowing not to take on her management again.

In 1966, after marrying Ted and welcoming a child, Aretha finds herself without a record label as Columbia drops her for failing to achieve a hit. Ted manages to secure a deal with Jerry Wexler (Marc Maron) at Atlantic Records, positioning Aretha to work with talented musicians in Muscle Shoals. Here, she records “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” but the session is abruptly halted due to a physical altercation involving Ted.

The turmoil continues as a heated argument leaves Aretha with a black eye, pushing her to return to Detroit. Empowered by hearing her own song on the radio, Aretha asserts control over her career and, with the help of her sister Carolyn, reinterprets Otis Redding’s “Respect,” which skyrockets to #1, marking the beginning of her golden era in 1968.

Honor comes her way when Dr. Martin Luther King ([Gilbert Glenn Brown]) acknowledges her unwavering commitment to the Movement, declaring February 16 as Aretha Franklin Day in Detroit. She continues to claim her place in the music world with hits like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” However, the pressures of fame escalate when Ted tries to limit her engagements, leading to conflict and ultimately an act of violence against her.

After separating from Ted, Aretha finds solace with her tour manager, Ken Cunningham (Albert Jones), and expands her family. Yet, the shadows of her tumultuous past linger. A heartbreaking discussion with her father regarding Dr. King’s assassination ignites further discord, with C.L. doubting Aretha’s commitment to the Movement and straining their relationship.

Despite continuing to release hits, Aretha battles burnout and relies increasingly on substances to cope. Her siblings attempt an intervention, only for Aretha to dismiss their concerns, believing they envy her success. A fall during an overseas performance prompts Ken to end their relationship, but a spiritual encounter with her late mother catalyzes Aretha’s decision to confront her demons and seek sobriety.

Determined to rekindle her gospel roots, Aretha approaches Jerry about producing a gospel album, despite his initial skepticism regarding its commercial viability. He eventually accedes on the condition that the recording be documented.

With the help of family friend James Cleveland (Tituss Burgess), Aretha embarks on rehearsals. On the day of the recording, C.L. makes an emotional appearance and apologizes for past grievances. As Aretha prepares to perform, she greets each family member except for her father. Rising to the stage, she delivers a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace,” leading to a live album that becomes the highest-selling of her career, achieving an impressive double platinum status in the United States.