In a whirlwind of acclaim and controversy, the Oscar-nominated biopic King Richard earned Will Smith his first Academy Award for ‘Best Actor’. The film that eventually led to the now infamous ‘slap-gate’ controversy has taken Netflix by storm.
Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and penned by Zach Baylin, King Richard boasts a stellar cast including Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, and, of course, Smith himself. But what truly sets this film apart is its story, centred on the unwavering determination and unorthodox methods of Richard Williams in shaping the careers of his daughters, tennis legends Serena and Venus.
The film chronicles Richard’s relentless pursuit of greatness for Venus and Serena, navigating through the trials and tribulations of the tennis world and society’s expectations. Though the film opened to glowing reviews and critical acclaim, it did earn its fair share of criticism. Kyle Smith of National Review wrote about how the film sidelines the achievements of the Williams sisters, remarking, “It makes the sororal tennis champs seem almost incidental to their own rise to greatness.”
At the 94th Academy Awards, Will Smith, where he was up for his third ‘Best Actor’ award, physically assaulted Chris Rock for an ill-judged joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith. Smith secured his first Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Richard Williams, the patriarch behind tennis sensations Venus and Serena Williams, amid plenty of criticism and backlash.
Nevertheless, King Richard continues to captivate audiences worldwide, claiming the seventh spot on Netflix’s top ten list of films in the UK. The list this week also features films like Orion and the Dark, The Devil Wears Prada, and The Lost City.
In the end, whether you’re drawn in by its portrayal of familial devotion or intrigued by the controversies it stirs, King Richard tells the story of the indomitable spirit of those who dare to dream against all odds.
You can watch King Richard on Netflix and catch the trailer here:
