PremiumBayard Rustin’s biopic is ruling Netflix; fans can't stop applauding
Rustin is famous for his contributions to the African American Civil Rights Movement and his planning of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. The movie is streaming on Netflix
A still of Colman Domingo as Bayard Rustin
Last Updated: 10.08 PM, Nov 18, 2023
After several speculations, Rustin was finally released on Netflix on November 3. It is a biological drama of Bayard Rustin, who was an African-American leader in social movements for civil rights, socialism, nonviolence, and gay rights. Bayard took his last breath in 1987 at the age of 75.
Rustin story
The movie tells the true story of an activist and organiser, who worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and other heroes of the civil rights movement, but whose name might be less widely remembered: Bayard Rustin. The movie features several prominent figures from the civil rights movement, including Chris Rock portraying Roy Wilkins, Audra McDonald embodying Ella Baker, Aml Ameen stepping into the role of Martin Luther King Jr., Glynn Turman portraying A. Philip Randolph, Michael Potts taking on the character of Cleveland Robinson, and CCH Pounder playing Anna Arnold Hedgeman.
Rustin is backed by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company Higher Ground. Colman Domingo portrayed the titular role of Bayard Rustin.
Fans' reactions
Although the movie made quite headlines before its release, after releasing, it's now ruling Netflix. Fans can't stop talking about the storyline of Rustin. Even a few of them also talked about Rock’s portrayal in the movie. For the unversed, Chris Rock had an upsetting year at the beginning of 2023, after getting slapped by Will Smith at the 94th Academy Awards 2022 in front of the whole world. Rustin is the first movie of Rock, after the incident.
Rustin's special screening
After the SAG-AFTRA strike was over, Barack Obama appeared for a special screening for Rustin with his wife Michelle Obama on November 10, and felt overwhelmed seeing everyone attending the press conference. “As somebody who cares a lot about the power of workers in this country and as the father of somebody who writes in film, I am glad that both the actors and the writers came to an agreement that recognizes their worth and their work”, Obama shared.
Also Read: Rustin special screening: Barack Obama makes a special appearance; gives big shout out to SAG-AFTRA
Not only are netizens appreciating the movie and the makers, but they have also flooded social media with 10 on 10 ratings. Rustin is currently streaming on Netflix.