Hidden Figures Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three brilliant mathematicians use their brainpower to launch a man into space while simultaneously battling the absurdity of separate coffee pots, because apparently rocket science is easier than finding a bathroom that isn’t color-coded.

🍿 Hidden Figures: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The West Area Computing Unit

In 1961, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson work as mathematicians at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Virginia. They are part of the ‘West Area Computing’ unit, a segregated group of African-American women who perform complex calculations for the engineers. Despite their vital role, they face constant discrimination due to their race and gender.

Katherine’s Opportunity

Katherine’s exceptional skills in analytical geometry lead to her being assigned to Al Harrison’s Space Task Group, which is dedicated to launching an American into space. As the first African-American woman in the team, she faces skepticism and prejudice from her colleagues, particularly Paul Stafford. She’s forced to use segregated facilities and navigate a hostile work environment.

Dorothy’s Ambition and the IBM

Dorothy, acting as the unofficial supervisor of the West Area Computing unit, seeks a formal promotion. She faces rejection and recognizes the threat posed by the arrival of an IBM computer, which could render her and her colleagues obsolete. Determined to stay relevant, she secretly learns FORTRAN programming and teaches her team, preparing them for the future.

Mary’s Engineering Dream

Mary dreams of becoming an engineer, but she is barred from taking the required courses because they are only offered at a segregated school. With the support of a mentor, she challenges the system and petitions the court for the right to attend classes, fighting against racial barriers to achieve her goal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson): A brilliant mathematician who overcomes racial and gender barriers to calculate critical trajectories for NASA’s space missions.
• Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer): An unofficial supervisor who learns computer programming and leads her team into the new age of machine computing at NASA.
• Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe): A determined woman who fights segregation to become NASA’s first female African American engineer.
• Al Harrison (Kevin Costner): The head of the Space Task Group at NASA, who values talent regardless of race or gender, ultimately dismantling segregation within his team.
• Vivian Mitchell (Kirsten Dunst): Katherine and Dorothy’s supervisor, who embodies the ingrained racial biases present within NASA.
• Paul Stafford (Jim Parsons): The head engineer who initially dismisses Katherine’s abilities and resists integrating her into his work at the Space Task Group.
• John Glenn (Glen Powell): The astronaut who trusts Katherine’s calculations over the IBM computer, showcasing the importance of her work to the success of his mission.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Al Harrison: “Here at NASA, we all pee the same color.” – Harrison declares this after knocking down the ‘Colored’ bathroom sign, symbolizing the end of segregation in his department.
• Katherine Johnson: “Yes, they let women do some things at NASA, Mr. Johnson. And it’s not because we wear skirts, it’s because we wear glasses.” – Katherine responds to Jim Johnson’s surprise at her role at NASA, highlighting her intellect and value.
• John Glenn: “Get the girl to check the numbers.” – Astronaut John Glenn insists that Katherine Johnson verify the IBM calculations before his historic flight, showing his trust in her abilities.
• Dorothy Vaughan: “I know you probably believe that.” – Dorothy’s sharp but subtle response to Vivian Mitchell’s claim of not being prejudiced, highlighting the ingrained biases of the time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $169,607,287
• Worldwide Gross: $235,957,472

💥 Hidden Figures Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Hidden Figures! It made me feel so many things – inspired, angry, hopeful. Seeing these women overcome so much to contribute to something so important was incredibly moving. The scene where Kevin Costner tears down the ‘Colored Bathroom’ sign gave me chills! It was a powerful moment, and I think that is what the movie is all about: standing up to discrimination, no matter how big or small, so everyone can make a difference.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in STEM and the Space Race”
  • “Those who appreciate inspiring stories of overcoming adversity”
  • “Families looking for a positive and educational movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial slurs and discrimination”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Thematic elements related to segregation”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “Hidden Figures is an inspiring and entertaining crowd-pleaser, buoyed by strong performances from its leads. The film effectively balances the personal struggles of the three women with the larger context of the space race, creating a compelling and emotional narrative. The supporting cast also shines, making this a must-see for anyone interested in history and overcoming adversity.
• RogerEbert.com: “Hidden Figures is a warm, accessible, and genuinely inspiring film that celebrates the contributions of three unsung heroines. Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe deliver outstanding performances, bringing depth and humanity to their roles. While the film takes some liberties with historical accuracy, it ultimately succeeds in telling an important and uplifting story.
• Variety: “Hidden Figures transcends its formulaic biopic structure with its powerful performances and compelling subject matter. The film sheds light on a crucial chapter of American history, showcasing the brilliance and resilience of three remarkable women. The ensemble cast is uniformly excellent, making this a rewarding and thought-provoking experience.

Audience Reactions

Viewers were deeply moved by the powerful performances of the lead actresses.: Everyone agreed that Hidden Figures is an inspiring and uplifting story.

Many were shocked to learn about the segregated conditions at NASA during the space race.: Audiences appreciated the film’s historical accuracy (despite some liberties) and its focus on unsung heroes.

Overall Consensus: Hidden Figures is a well-acted, feel-good movie about three brilliant African-American women who played a vital role in the early days of the U.S. space program. While it may take some liberties with historical accuracy, the film is inspiring, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

Awards

1. Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “When Taraji P. Henson signed on for the lead role, she met with the real-life Katherine Johnson, who was 98 years old, to discuss the character she was about to portray.”
• “Al Harrison is a fictional character, an amalgamation of several different NASA administrators.”

🖥️ How to Watch Hidden Figures?

Hidden Figures is available for streaming on Disney+ with a subscription. You can also rent or buy the movie on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check local listings for TV airings.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Hidden Figures, you might like these similar films:

• Apollo 13 (1995): Shares the theme of overcoming technical challenges during a NASA space mission under immense pressure.
• The Right Stuff (1983): Explores the early days of the American space program and the lives of the Mercury Seven astronauts, providing a broader historical context.
• October Sky (1999): Features a young man who defies expectations and pursues his passion for rocketry, mirroring the theme of overcoming obstacles to achieve a dream.
• A Beautiful Mind (2001): Highlights the brilliance and struggles of a mathematician, similar to Katherine Johnson’s character, though in a different setting.

🛒 Hidden Figures Related Products

• Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race: The New York Times Bestseller, the incredible untold true story behind the Oscar-nominated film, Hidden Figures. This book delves deeper into their lives, struggles, and triumphs.
• Space Shuttle Building Block Set, NASA Spacecraft Model: A detailed replica of the Space Shuttle. Perfect for display or imaginative play, honoring the pioneering spirit of space exploration.
• NASA Logo T-Shirt: High-quality t-shirt featuring the iconic NASA logo. A stylish way to show your support for space exploration and scientific discovery.
• Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World: Celebrates the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). A great way to spark the imagination and promote gender equality in STEM fields.

🎧 Soundtrack

Hidden Figures features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Runnin'” – performed by Pharrell Williams
• “Crave” – performed by Pharrell Williams
• “I See a Victory” – performed by Kim Burrell & Pharrell Williams
• “Surrender” – performed by Lalah Hathaway & Pharrell Williams

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Hidden Figures – Attribution

Dive into the world of digital citizenship with Hidden Figures! Learn about the importance of giving credit where it’s due and avoiding plagiarism in this engaging and informative video.

Hidden Figures | Based on a True Story

Uncover the truth behind Hidden Figures! This video takes a critical look at the movie’s historical accuracy, exploring the real-life stories and events that inspired the film.

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