Christine Milton

Disappointing version of this powerful story, despite strong performances, especially by Danielle Brooks and Taraji P. Henson. Having read the novel and seen the original film and both Broadway musicals, it felt that the heart of the story was missing in several scenes. The taking away of Celie’s baby Adam and her sister Nettie are two of the most heartbreaking experiences Celie lives through, and both scenes felt rushed in this film. The inclusion of so many upbeat dance numbers shifted the overall mood and the addition of a peppy song for Halle Bailey in lieu of more meaningful numbers from the musical missed the mark. The absence of Celie’s voice-over, which added so much insight in the original film, was unfortunate.