Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

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Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

R

2020

1h 34m

History

Drama

Music

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

317 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

Tensions and temperatures rise at a Chicago music studio in 1927 when fiery, fearless blues singer Ma Rainey joins her band for a recording session.

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Critics Consensus

Framed by a pair of powerhouse performances, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom pays affectionate tribute to a blues legend -- and Black culture at large.

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Christina Newland

iNews.co.uk

Sep 23, 2024

4/5

The poignant conclusion is as bitter as it is heartbreaking, because, fictional though it is, its story of racism, rage and lost promise shows an essential truth.

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Shelli Nicole

Autostraddle

Apr 13, 2022

The focus of the film is more on Levee, Chadwick Boseman’s character. It felt like Viola was the pull but I was left wanting to learn even more about Ma Rainey than before. However, that’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy the film because I absolutely did.

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Roxana Hadadi

Pajiba

Mar 21, 2021

The sense that we're beholden to the whims of unseen forces-that we're not the protagonists of our own stories-cuts deep in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.

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Joonatan Itkonen

Region Free

Jul 14, 2024

4/5

While not perfect, it’s another milestone for Netflix in delivering smart, adult fare to theaters, and a gorgeous swansong for an actor gone too soon.

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Ryan McQuade

InSession Film

Apr 4, 2024

B-

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom leaves a little to be desired, even though Boseman gives the performance of his career. It’s a shame that the film he is in isn’t as wonderful as he, but with this, he leaves a legacy.

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Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Oct 14, 2023

Unabashedly stagy in many respects, a quality that can work both ways — but, ultimately, the crackling current that runs through Davis and Boseman’s acting gives the movie all the blazing, goosebump-inducing immediacy of a live performance.

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Raymond

Jun 5, 2021

Whew. The overwhelming sense of being trapped as a black person, disregarded and disrespected leading to despair. Outstanding screenplay, acting, directing and music. The last scene appropriately made us white folks seem small and lame.

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Michael schwab

Apr 14, 2021

Viola and chad excellent! Fascinating would like to see again! Great film.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 29, 2026

This Movie is a *4* star Movie!

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Dallas H

@FozzieMcFly Sep 23, 2026

Viola Davis's performance as Ma Rainey completely sold me on this movie. Chadwick Boseman's over-the-top, ego-centric portrayal of Levee adds a bit of humor to it, and I always love seeing Colman Domingo show up in just about every movie and television show he gets hired to act in. I would have liked to see this performance in its original play version (by notable playwright August Wilson).

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Adam N

@RT93209334 May 26, 2026

While somewhat engaging, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is still a disappointment. As a result of little difference from the play, the film is extremely dialogue-heavy, and while that works for plays and some films, it does not work here; thanks to the Netflix-brand lighting, the film lacks the theatrical atmosphere needed to pull it off. Most of the characters are entertaining; had the focus been on Cutler, Toledo and Slow Drag, the film would have been all right. Unfortunately, it revolves around its two most insufferable characters, Ma Rainey and Levee. Neither are likable or relatable, and for some reason the moments in which each are one-on-one with the third worst character Dussie Mae are extended into scenes extremely uncomfortable to watch. Overall, the film magnifies the worst aspects of the film while adding in its own problems.

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Shawan L

@ShawanLLibang Jan 27, 2026

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom delivers a sharp, soulful punch. Viola Davis dominates every scene with fierce charisma, while Chadwick Boseman gives a stunning, emotionally charged final performance. The film’s rhythm, dialogue, and tension pull you in from start to finish. Powerful, vibrant, and unforgettable absolutely worth watching

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George C. Wolfe

Director

Viola Davis

Ma Rainey

Chadwick Boseman

Levee

Glynn Turman

Toledo

Colman Domingo

Cutler

Michael Potts

Slow Drag

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Synopsis

Tensions and temperatures rise at a Chicago music studio in 1927 when fiery, fearless blues singer Ma Rainey joins her band for a recording session.

Director: George C. Wolfe
Producer: Todd Black, Denzel Washington, Dany Wolf
Screenwriter: Ruben Santiago-Hudson
Distributor: Netflix
Production Co: Netflix
Rating: R (Language|Brief Violence|Some Sexual Content)
Genre: History, Drama, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 25, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Dec 18, 2020
Runtime: 1h 34m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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