Hidden Figures (2016) is an inspiring, heartwarming, and profoundly moving historical drama directed by Theodore Melfi. Based on the non-fiction book Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly, the film uncovers the untold story of three brilliant African-American womenโKatherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monรกe)โwhose groundbreaking work at NASA was instrumental in the success of Americaโs early space missions, particularly John Glennโs orbital flight in 1962. More than just a historical retelling, the film is a tribute to resilience, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of discrimination.
Plot Overview
Set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and the Cold War, Hidden Figures takes place in the early 1960s, when segregation and racial prejudice were entrenched in American society, particularly in the segregated South. The film centers on three extraordinary women, each with her own story of overcoming adversity.
Katherine Johnson, a mathematical genius, works at NASA as a โcomputerโ in the segregated section of the Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Despite her brilliance, Katherine is forced to navigate a world where her race and gender put her at the bottom of the professional ladder. But when NASAโs space program is in need of accurate mathematical calculations for astronaut John Glennโs historic mission, Katherineโs talents are called into action. Her ability to perform complex calculations manually becomes pivotal in ensuring the success of Glennโs flight into space.
Dorothy Vaughan, an experienced mathematician and supervisor at the segregated West Area Computing unit, is struggling to keep her team relevant as NASA shifts from mechanical computing to the new electronic IBM computers. Instead of being intimidated by the new technology, Dorothy takes the initiative to teach herself and her colleagues Fortran programming, ensuring their survival in a changing technological landscape. Her foresight and leadership eventually lead to her becoming NASAโs first African-American female supervisor.
Mary Jackson, an aspiring engineer, is determined to break through both racial and gender barriers to achieve her dream of becoming an engineer. Faced with the challenge of attending an all-white school in order to earn the necessary qualifications, Mary petitions the courts to be allowed to take the classes that will open the door to her career. With her perseverance, intelligence, and the support of her family, Mary becomes NASAโs first African-American female engineer.
Themes of Racial and Gender Inequality
At the heart of Hidden Figures is the story of three women who were not only brilliant but also determined to break through the barriers of race and gender that sought to hold them back. The film offers a stark reminder of the institutionalized racism and sexism that existed during the 1960s, especially within the scientific and engineering fields. These women had to battle both external discrimination and internal self-doubt to be recognized for their talents and contributions.
But Hidden Figures is not just about overcoming these social prejudices. It is also about the transformative power of friendship, support, and community. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary, though each on their own path, find strength in one another, and their bonds become a source of resilience. Their stories show that even in the face of systemic inequality, unity and determination can move mountains.
Historical Significance
The film highlights a pivotal moment in American historyโboth for the Civil Rights Movement and the space race. At a time when the United States was in a fierce competition with the Soviet Union to dominate space exploration, NASAโs success was crucial to American pride and global standing. As the space program struggles to catch up to the Soviet Unionโs advancements, the contributions of Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary become absolutely vital. Their work laid the foundation for many of NASA’s subsequent successes, including the landmark achievement of sending John Glenn into orbit.
Katherineโs contributions to the space program were particularly significant. As the mathematician who calculated the trajectories for Glennโs orbital flight, she broke through both technical and cultural boundaries. Her pivotal work on the calculations was crucial to NASAโs success, and by the end of the film, John Glenn himself personally requests that she double-check the computer-generated figures for his flight.
An Emotional Journey
What makes Hidden Figures so powerful is not only its historical importance but also the emotional depth of its characters. The film moves beyond simple historical facts to delve into the lives, struggles, and emotional turmoil of these women. While Katherine Johnson is confronted with the daily indignities of segregation, she finds the strength to keep going, driven by her sense of duty to her country and her love for her daughters. Dorothy Vaughan, though relegated to a position of limited authority, finds dignity in helping others and rising above the challenges she faces. And Mary Jackson, who dreams of becoming an engineer despite all odds, faces her own personal battles but never stops pushing forward.
The emotional weight of the film is felt especially in the relationships these women have with their families and colleagues. Their perseverance is not only fueled by professional ambition but also by their personal love for their families and the desire to create a better future for those who come after them. As much as Hidden Figures is about the triumph of intellect and scientific achievement, it is equally about love, sacrifice, and the bonds that help sustain them in the face of adversity.
A Triumphant Conclusion
The film culminates with an uplifting and inspiring message. Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary eventually receive the recognition they deserve, though much of it comes posthumously. Katherine Johnson is honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015 for her remarkable contributions to the space program. The closing scenes of Hidden Figures reveal how these womenโs efforts have continued to inspire generations of scientists, engineers, and mathematiciansโespecially women and people of color who, like them, aspire to defy the odds.
Legacy and Impact
Hidden Figures serves as a tribute not only to the extraordinary achievements of Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson but also to the countless other unsung heroes who have helped shape the course of history. It brings to light the stories of women who were integral to the success of one of Americaโs greatest scientific achievements, yet their names were often overlooked for decades.
The film reminds us that history is often shaped by those who work behind the scenes, making the impossible possible. Their stories will continue to inspire future generations to break down barriers, challenge the status quo, and believe in their own potential to change the world.
Conclusion
With its remarkable performances, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling, Hidden Figures is a film that resonates on multiple levels. It is a celebration of the untold history of three brilliant women who helped send an astronaut into space, and it is a tribute to the power of perseverance, friendship, and love. This film not only honors the legacy of these incredible women but also inspires viewers to continue breaking barriers in their own lives, proving that no dream is too big when you have the courage and determination to pursue it.