The Color Purple (2023)

A legacy sequel that comes with a great deal of pedigree, adapting the hit musical that came from an already iconic 80s film. Spielberg and musical maestro Quincy Jones return as producers here, along with a cameo from Whoopi Goldberg, but on the whole it looks set to be a fresh take on the classic story: leaning more into the raw and uplifting emotional power of Broadway. Fantasia Barrino reprises her role as Celie, the woman who endures horrors in her upbringing and is brought into a toxic marriage. Alongside powerhouse turns from Taraji P. Henson and Halle Bailey as her husband’s mistress and stepdaughter, the three form sisterly bonds that transcend their situation, all socked over with a collection of cracking songs. Bazawule’s varied career in the arts - including work with Beyoncé for her film Black is King - brings all the energy that fans of the stage show would expect from this adaptation, and new audiences should find an uplifting and cinematic journey that belies its tough subject matter.

Max King