Hidden Figures

In the early 1960s, NASA embarked on a historic mission to launch astronaut John Glenn into orbit, a feat that would require unparalleled precision, skill, and collaboration. Behind the scenes of this monumental achievement stood three unsung heroes – Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – African-American women who played a crucial role in the success of the mission. Their story, a testament to the power of perseverance, intelligence, and determination, is the subject of Hidden Figures, a cinematic tribute to the pioneering women who broke down barriers and defied odds in a male-dominated industry. The film opens with Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician played by Taraji P. Henson, who becomes a key player in the development of the flight trajectory for John Glenn's mission. Hired as a "computer" at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, Katherine overcomes the skepticism and bias she encounters from her white male colleagues to prove herself as a gifted mathematician. With her unwavering dedication and innate talent, Katherine is soon pulled into the forefront of the John Glenn team, where she, along with her colleagues Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, would contribute significantly to the mission's success. Dorothy Vaughan, an exceptional mathematician and supervisor, is played by Octavia Spencer. A seasoned professional with years of experience, Dorothy advocates for her colleagues and push for advancement within the organization. A trailblazer in her own right, Dorothy faces institutional racism and sexism, but she refuses to be deterred by these obstacles, pushing forward with a level of resilience and conviction that inspires those around her. Mary Jackson, an aspiring engineer, is portrayed by Janelle Monáe. A single mother, Mary joins the NASA workforce in a role that is starkly below her abilities, yet she remains committed to her dream of becoming a professional engineer. With the support of her colleagues, including Dorothy and Katherine, Mary starts to realize her ambitions, eventually gaining the recognition and authority she deserved within the organization. As the John Glenn mission approaches, tensions rise at NASA, exacerbated by the increasingly complex calculations required to ensure a safe and successful launch. Katherine, working alongside Al Harrison, a seasoned engineer played by Kevin Costner, tackles the daunting task of manually computing the trajectory, utilizing her exceptional mathematical skills to identify the slightest errors that could compromise the mission. Meanwhile, Dorothy faces opposition from her superiors, demanding equal opportunities for African-American women within the organization. The John Glenn team, comprised of remarkable individuals with unique skills and experiences, must put aside their differences to achieve a common goal. The camaraderie among this diverse group of individuals creates a backdrop for mutual support and encouragement, defying stereotypes and prejudice to bring about historic success. Amidst the challenges they face, Katherine finds an ally in Al Harrison, who begins to challenge the NASA system as much as she does. John Glenn, portrayed by Jim Parsons, represents a symbol of change and courage, as he breaks racial barriers by insisting on having a qualified African-American mathematician work on his mission. Hidden Figures sheds light on the groundbreaking achievements of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, highlighting the obstacles they overcame to gain recognition and acceptance within the aerospace industry. Employing a compelling narrative, director Theodore Melfi masterfully interweaves accurate historical context with emotionally resonant character development, making the film an uplifting tribute to these brave and visionary women. Behind the iconic scenes of Katherine working out a path to orbit on the original blackboard or Al Harrison erasing the segregated 'Colored' sign above the women's lavatory, the movie unravels the nuances of the deeply ingrained social attitudes and racist policies prevalent during that time. It also portrays the men of NASA's Leadership, particularly Col. Al Stafford, Sr, (Aldis Hodge) and Mr. Paul Stafford (Mahershala Ali,) whose support allows an ultimate transition of an inclusive organization culture while shifting societal narratives and supporting the development of early American equality. Hidden Figures amplifies the accomplishments and character of Katherine G. Johnson in particular, bringing to life a story of a mathematician dedicated to finding successful trajectory calculations for a spaceflight, enduring sexism, racism, and social norms, leaving nothing to put a break on determination and perseverance, that paved the way for future generations of dedicated engineers and mathematicians. Moreover, the heroic journey depicted in Hidden Figures should resonate with everyone who strives to chase excellence despite systemic obstacles, reinforcing the significance of friendship, perseverance and teamwork in transforming seemingly insurmountable scenarios.