Harriet

Under the direction of Kasi Lemmons (Black Nativity), the remarkable tale of Harriet Tubman makes a long overdue appearance on the screen. Tubman is born into slavery as Araminta Ross, but when her owners plot to sell her on, she decides to run. There's huge emotion and tension in her 100-mile bid for freedom, but what's even more extraordinary is that Tubman (played by British actress Cynthia Erivo) keeps returning to Maryland to guide others to safety. ("You are so far beyond any man I have met," her friend Marie (Janelle Monáe) tells her admiringly.) It's unusual to see such a story filtered through a female perspective, while Tubman's dependence on what she believes to be visions from God is respectfully handled. Erivo is hypnotic playing a woman whose courage never fails her, transforming from cowed slave to confident activist. Indeed, her performance is more subtle than some of the directorial choices, but as a story of daring and defiance Harriet is both impassioned and inspiring.