From Joe Peltzer

Remaking 1985’s The Color Purple has always struck me as an odd decision since it was first announced, mainly due to the fact that Steven Spielberg’s original faced fierce criticisms for its depiction the Black community. Director Blitz Bazawule’s 2023 update tells virtually the same story, one focused on one woman’s repeated hardships and her perseverance, while utilizing the excellent supporting performances of Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson to draw distinctions. Still, despite some joyous musical moments and touching developments, The Color Purple doesn’t tread any new water.

The film documents the abuse and horrors faced by Celie (Fantasia Barrino) over the course of 40 years, a young African American woman married off by her father to Albert/“Mister” (Colman Domingo), a belittling and violent man who continues to denigrate her as she holds on to hope of one day reuniting with her sister Nettie (Halle Bailey as a youngster, Ciara as an adult). Barrino is a force in the film, her raw vulnerability pervasive in every word, every movement. She brings life to every song, to every development, and makes you root for her from the very beginning. With the character, however, her third act turn to a more independent and strong woman is a total 180 made even more frustrating by Mister’s sudden weakness, such as when he visits her new store to buy pants. The story told here is true to the source material, but the gravitas of the transformation feels underwhelming at best.

Henson and Brooks are the true stars of the film, the former portraying the lively Shug and and the latter the strong-willed Sofia. Both actresses are playing characters that serve important purposes for Celie, showing the possibility of breaking free from the confines of her realities while also continuing to show the vulnerabilities exacerbated by a bigoted society. Brooks’ ‘Hell No!’ number is the absolute standout in a loaded soundtrack that boasts some impactful tunes, but her raw energy and commitment is unparalleled; the Oscars will be knocking. 

Domingo for his part is a dastardly human being, his character a true villain in every sense of the word, brought to life through a staggeringly strong performance by the ever-consistent actor. I wish the same could be said for Corey Hawkins’ Harpo, but the character gets lost in the shuffle and has enough moral ambiguity that he was easily discardable. Hawkins, though, continues to impress no matter the size of the role.

The fantastic performances are the highlights of this new, not necessarily needed version of The Color Purple. There isn’t much new ground to walk here as the story is largely the same, just told in what felt like a drawn out delivery that often left me adrift in the overall narrative. The more emotional moments felt poorly conceived, quickly played out before Bazawule moves on. The show stopping numbers didn’t all land, though the choreography was precise and distinct. It simply felt like a retelling rather than the promised “bold new take on the beloved classic.”

Come for the sisterhood between Barrino, Henson, and Brooks, stay for the emotionally-charged and well-managed ending, but otherwise you have seen this all before. Brooks, however, should start planning her outfit for the Oscars; she is the undeniable breakout star of the film.

Rating: 3/5

The Color Purple hits theaters on December 25th, 2023.

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