Outlier: the story of Katherine Johnson
Outlier: the story of Katherine Johnson

Movie spotlight

Outlier: the story of Katherine Johnson

2019
Movie
56 min
English

Documentary about an African-American girl who grows up to help NASA put astronauts into space and bring them home safely. She was one of the main characters in the movie, "Hidden Figures." Includes interview with Johnson.

Insights

IMDb7.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic74/100
Google Users95%
Director: Theodore MelfiGenres: Biography, Drama, History

Plot Summary

This biographical drama tells the inspiring true story of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA during the Space Race. Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, their mathematical genius was crucial to some of America's most significant space missions, including the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. The film highlights their personal struggles and professional triumphs as they broke barriers and paved the way for future generations.

Critical Reception

Hidden Figures received widespread critical acclaim, with praise directed at its performances, storytelling, and historical significance. Audiences were particularly moved by the film's uplifting message and its accurate portrayal of the challenges faced by these pioneering women. It was a commercial success, resonating with viewers of all ages.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inspiring true story and strong performances, especially from Taraji P. Henson.

  • Appreciated for shedding light on the overlooked contributions of Black women at NASA.

  • Noted for its uplifting and empowering narrative that balances historical accuracy with emotional depth.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly loved Hidden Figures, celebrating its powerful true story, exceptional acting, and the important historical figures it brought to light. Many found the film deeply moving and inspirational, highlighting its message of perseverance and intelligence overcoming adversity.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Octavia Spencer, Best Adapted Screenplay), and won numerous other awards including multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble.

Fun Fact

While the film focuses on Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, there were many other Black women working as "human computers" at NASA's Langley Research Center during this era, contributing significantly to the space program.

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