A true story about Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African-American women who worked at NASA. Their work was crucial to the success of the United States’ first space missions. The film highlights the racial segregation that still prevailed at the time, even in institutions such as NASA.

Katherine, Dorothy, and Mary are three friends who work on NASA’s space programs. Their work goes unrecognized, especially because of their African American heritage. They face contempt from white people, who make it clear that they view them as second-class citizens.

Thanks to their talents and hard work, however, they prove that Black women are in no way inferior; in many ways, they can even surpass the white men who set the rules at that time. The calculations made by these three women helped send astronaut John Glenn into orbit, for example, and also helped ensure his safe return to Earth.

They played a significant role in the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Among other things, the trio of Black female mathematicians helped break down racial and gender biases and became an inspiration for future generations.

Drama / Biographical / Historical

USA, 2016, 127 min

Crew: Theodore Melfi

Cast: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe, Kevin Costner, Jim Parsons, Kirsten Dunst, Mahershala Ali, Glen Powell, Aldis Hodge, Kimberly Quinn, Olek Krupa, Ken Strunk

Parents’ Guide

One instance of lovers kissing and one instance of a married couple kissing.

A few instances of the phrases “Oh my God,” “Jesus Christ,” or “Damn.”

A few scenes of men smoking at NASA.

One ambiguous reference to a Black man “who would want to do it from morning till night.” Several instances of contempt toward Black people.

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