Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (dir. George C. Wolfe).

Netflix’s screen adaptation of famed playwright August Wilson’s 1920s Chicago-set stage play about the eponymous legendary blues singer captures the same spirit of African-American struggle in the face of historical Black exploitation with an artistic bent focusing on early era recording artists. It’s a lively affair celebrating live musical performance.

In his final on-screen performance, Chadwick Boseman is electric in a supporting role as the charismatic trumpeter in Ma Rainey’s band. His talent and energy leaps off the screen highlighting the film’s theatrical nature. His and the rest of the veteran cast live up to the storied material.