The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)

“Be careful with this feeling. This love right here, baby, it won’t love you back. I promise.” – Billie Holliday

Number of Times Seen – 1 (10 Mar 2021)

Brief Synopsis – Biopic of the life of famed singer Billie Holliday who’s controversial career led to her own downfall via addiction

My Take on it – Great premise that unfortunately doesn’t resonate well enough.

Audra Day does a wonderful job in the lead role, and was deservingly nominated for an Oscar for her debut role on screen.

The story itself doesn’t work because of the way that it is presented since it doesn’t allow for us to really take in the characters and plot in a more engaging way.

This is a film that is a true example of a performance overshadowing the movie itself and that is somewhat of a shame since they could have done so much more with the story of her life.

The supporting cast is quite good and the fact that most of them are unrecognizable actually helps make things feel and seem so much more genuine and real the whole way through.

The story is uplifting in the way that the main character never gives up in order to show her conviction for everything that happens throughout.

MovieRob’s Favorite Trivia – Andra Day becomes the second actress to be nominated at both the Golden Globes and the Academy Awards for portraying Billie Holiday. The first being Diana Ross for Lady Sings the Blues (1972). Coincidentally, the role of Billie Holiday was also the screen debut of both actresses. (From IMDB)

Rating – BAFTA Worthy (6/10)