Marshall (2017) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Marshall (2017), directed by Reginald Hudlin, is a biographical legal drama that explores the early career of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice. Starring Chadwick Boseman in the titular role, the film offers a gripping portrayal of Marshall’s fight for justice during one of his most challenging cases, set against the backdrop of racial tensions in 1940s America. With a strong supporting cast, including Josh Gad, Kate Hudson, and Sterling K. Brown, Marshall is both a compelling courtroom drama and a significant historical narrative.
In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, performances, and its depiction of racial and legal challenges during a turbulent period in American history. Additionally, we’ll provide guidance on where to watch Marshall online, particularly in the United States.
Plot Summary
Marshall focuses on a pivotal case early in Thurgood Marshall’s career, long before he would make history with the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case or his eventual appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. The film is set in 1941 and revolves around the trial of Joseph Spell (Sterling K. Brown), a black chauffeur accused of raping and attempting to murder his white employer, Eleanor Strubing (Kate Hudson), in Greenwich, Connecticut.
The NAACP, recognizing the racial overtones of the case and its potential to undermine their efforts for racial equality, sends Thurgood Marshall (Chadwick Boseman) to defend Spell. Upon arrival, Marshall faces immediate challenges, including a hostile environment where racism is entrenched and pervasive. Adding to the difficulty, the judge presiding over the case, Judge Foster (James Cromwell), forbids Marshall from speaking in court, forcing him to rely on Sam Friedman (Josh Gad), a local Jewish attorney with no experience in criminal law, to serve as Spell’s official counsel.
Despite these obstacles, Marshall guides Friedman through the intricacies of the defense, all while grappling with the blatant racism of the prosecution led by the ambitious prosecutor, Loren Willis (Dan Stevens). As the trial progresses, the film reveals the truth behind the accusations against Spell, showcasing Marshall’s legal acumen and relentless pursuit of justice.
Marshall is not just a courtroom drama; it’s a story about the struggle for civil rights and the systemic obstacles faced by African Americans in the legal system. The film captures the tension of the era, highlighting how both Marshall and Friedman must confront their own prejudices and the biases of those around them to secure a fair trial for Spell.
Performances
Chadwick Boseman delivers a powerful and charismatic performance as Thurgood Marshall, embodying the future Supreme Court Justice with confidence, intelligence, and a sense of purpose. Boseman’s portrayal is both dynamic and nuanced, capturing Marshall’s determination to fight for justice even when the odds are stacked against him. His performance underscores Marshall’s role not just as a lawyer but as a symbol of hope and resilience for the African American community.
Josh Gad, in a departure from his usual comedic roles, provides a strong performance as Sam Friedman. Gad effectively portrays Friedman’s initial reluctance and eventual transformation as he confronts the harsh realities of racial injustice. The chemistry between Boseman and Gad is one of the film’s highlights, as their characters navigate the complexities of the legal system together, forming a bond that transcends racial and religious differences.
Sterling K. Brown, as Joseph Spell, delivers a heartfelt performance that adds depth to the character. Brown portrays Spell as a man caught in a terrifying situation, facing not only a possible wrongful conviction but also the weight of racial prejudice that could determine his fate.
Kate Hudson and Dan Stevens also contribute solid performances, with Hudson effectively capturing the complexity of Eleanor Strubing’s character, and Stevens embodying the ruthlessness of a prosecutor driven by ambition and racial bias.
Direction and Cinematography
Reginald Hudlin’s direction in Marshall is both effective and respectful of the film’s historical context. Hudlin balances the tension of the courtroom scenes with moments of character-driven drama, ensuring that the film remains engaging without sacrificing its message. The pacing is brisk, allowing the story to unfold with a sense of urgency that mirrors the stakes involved in the trial.
The cinematography by Newton Thomas Sigel captures the period setting with precision, using a muted color palette to evoke the 1940s while emphasizing the stark contrasts between the lives of the characters. The film’s visual style complements its narrative, highlighting the racial and social divides that underpin the story.
Themes and Historical Context
Marshall is more than just a biographical film; it’s a reflection on the racial and legal challenges of its time. The film tackles themes of racial injustice, systemic discrimination, and the fight for civil rights, all of which are still relevant today. Through Thurgood Marshall’s character, the film illustrates the importance of standing up against injustice, even when it seems insurmountable.
The film also addresses the intersectionality of race and religion, particularly through the partnership between Marshall, an African American, and Friedman, a Jewish attorney. Their collaboration serves as a reminder of the shared struggles faced by marginalized communities and the power of solidarity in the fight for equality.
While Marshall focuses on a specific case, it also serves as a broader commentary on the role of the legal system in perpetuating or challenging racial inequalities. The film highlights how individuals like Marshall played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the Civil Rights Movement and the eventual dismantling of legal segregation in the United States.
Where to Watch Marshall Online
For viewers in the United States interested in watching Marshall, the film is available on several streaming platforms:
Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video – Marshall is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it with a subscription or rent/purchase the film if you do not have a subscription.
- Hulu – The film is available on Hulu with a standard subscription, making it accessible to a wide audience.
- Netflix – Marshall has been available on Netflix in the past. It’s worth checking if it’s currently part of their catalog, as availability can vary.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you prefer to rent or purchase Marshall, here are some popular platforms offering these options:
- Apple iTunes – Available for rent or purchase in HD, with the option to download for offline viewing.
- Google Play Movies & TV – You can rent or buy the film on Google Play, with pricing options for both standard and high definition.
- YouTube Movies – Another option for renting or purchasing, accessible through your YouTube account.
- Vudu – Offers both rental and purchase options, often with deals on recent and older films.
Availability and Regional Considerations
While Marshall is widely available in the United States, availability may vary in other regions. If you’re outside the U.S., some streaming platforms might not have the film in their library. Using a VPN could help access the film from other regions, but it’s important to review the terms of service of each platform regarding VPN usage.
Final Thoughts
Marshall is a compelling and important film that shines a light on a lesser-known chapter of Thurgood Marshall’s career. With outstanding performances, particularly by Chadwick Boseman and Josh Gad, and thoughtful direction by Reginald Hudlin, the film offers both an engaging courtroom drama and a poignant exploration of racial justice.
Whether you’re interested in the historical significance of Thurgood Marshall’s work, the film’s exploration of racial and legal issues, or simply enjoy well-crafted legal dramas, Marshall is a film that resonates on multiple levels. With various streaming and rental options available, it’s easy to watch this inspiring and powerful film, which remains a relevant and timely reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in America.
