The film is based on the true story of three pioneers of space travel
08:00, 30 Dec 2025Updated 08:10, 30 Dec 2025
Man's missions to the moon have long captivated the viewing public but one film - based on a true story tells the harrowing stories of the little-known experts who made it happen.
Hidden Figures, starring Taraji P Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons and Mahershala Ali airs on Channel 4 tonight and tells how three incredibly brilliant and determined African American women were the driving force behind the launch of John Glenn into space during the 1960s.
It follows the journeys of real life NASA heroes, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson, who become the brains behind one of the greatest space achievements in history, which reaffirmed America's position at the forefront of the space race and reignited the entire country's passion for space travel.
Based on the real-life experiences of the three women, Hidden Figures charts not only their extraordinary achievement but the obstacles and prejudice, with the units they worked in not only segregated by race but also gender, they faced all while working to reach their goal.
Hidden Figures, which had a budget of just $25million was a huge box office success, making a massive $236million when it was released in 2016. The film was also a huge critical success with reviewers particularly praising the performances of the three leads - Taraji P Henson, who played Katherine Johnson, Octavia Spencer, who played Dorothy Vaughan, and Janelle Monae, who played Mary Jackson.
Spencer was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for her role while the entire cast went on to win the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Hidden Figures was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Support Actress and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Hidden Figures has a near perfect 93 percent approval rating on the movie review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes. One critic wrote: "Brilliant performances by Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae and a first rate ensemble make this a not to be missed revelation and righting of American herstory."
Another said: "Watching Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer and Kansas City, Kansas homie Janelle Monáe bringing all to life is a "Hallelujah moment." While a third added: "Through strong performances, sensitive direction and the strength of its source material, Hidden Figures transcends cliché to become a genuinely moving, inspirational tale of perseverance, strength and love."
Fans also loved the film with one writing: "I only wish it didn’t take me so long to experience this movie. It’s a definite must-see. BRAVO in every way." Another said: "I loved it so much, I purchased it. And I've watched it at least a half dozen times already. Okay, maybe more. The acting was so good, the obstacles these women overcame in their lives… beautifully acted. These women earned their place in history and helped push forward the science of space travel. It's a must see!"
While a third added: "Love love love!!!! Has all the things a great movie should have. Great acting, great story, based on true events. Never dull and watchable for everyone. Loved it!" And a fourth said: "This is an incredible movie with one of the most beautiful scripts, an amazing soundtrack, and one of the best movie storylines. Absolute must see, I would watch this movie 100 times if I had time!"
Hidden Figures is on Channel 4 at 5.40pm on December 30.
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