Ma Rainey's Black Bottom Movie (2020): Where to watch and stream online

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

2020, Movie, 1h 34min

Chicago, 1927. A recording session. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey, her ambitious horn player and the white management determined to control the uncontrollable "Mother of the Blues". Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play.

Country: United States

Director:

Cast:

Reviews

Critic Odie Henderson

rated

Davis, in her most grandiose cinematic role, relishes the opportunity to be difficult, self-assured and dominant.

Read full review at Roger Ebert

Critic Amon Warmann

rated

...Davis completely disappears into her larger-than-life character.

Read full review at Empire

Critic Peter Bradshaw

rated

This is Boseman’s final appearance on screen, and what a glorious performance to go out on.

Read full review at The Guardian

Critic Kate Stables

rated

It’s a worthy capper to Boseman’s career, another role that brings Black history in from the margins...

Read full review at Gamesradar

Critic Roger Moore

rated

...director George C. Wolfe and stars Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman more than do justice to August Wilson’s most approachable, entertaining play.

Read full review at Movie Nation

Critic Leah Greenblatt

rated

If Davis hadn't already taken home Oscar gold so recently, she'd almost certainly claim another prize here for the raw transformative verve of her performance; it's more than possible she still might.

Read full review at Entertainment Weekly

Frequently asked questions

What is Ma Rainey's Black Bottom about? Toggle content

"Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is a powerful drama that takes place in Chicago in 1927. The movie follows a recording session of the famous blues singer Ma Rainey and her band, during which tensions rise between Ma and her white management. The film explores themes of race, ambition, and the struggles of black artists in a white-dominated industry. With a talented cast, including Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman, "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" is a gripping and emotional portrayal of the African American experience. Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play, the movie is a must-see for anyone interested in music, history, or the struggles of marginalized communities.

Where can I stream Ma Rainey's Black Bottom? Toggle content

You can stream Ma Rainey's Black Bottom on: Netflix

What movies are similar to Ma Rainey's Black Bottom? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Ma Rainey's Black Bottom include A Complete Unknown, CODA, Green Book, Sound of Metal, Unsung Hero, Bohemian Rhapsody.

When was Ma Rainey's Black Bottom released for streaming? Toggle content

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom was released for streaming on December 18, 2020.