Set in 1941, the narrative follows Thurgood Marshall, an attorney for the NAACP, as he travels across the United States defending African Americans wrongfully accused due to racial prejudice. He is dispatched to Bridgeport, Connecticut, to represent Joseph Spell, a Black chauffeur accused of raping his white employer, Eleanor Strubing. The case garners significant media attention and is fraught with racial tensions.
In Connecticut, Marshall partners with Sam Friedman, a local Jewish insurance lawyer who has never handled a criminal case. Due to the judge's restrictions, Marshall is barred from speaking during the trial, compelling Friedman to serve as the lead counsel, guided by Marshall's expertise.
As the trial unfolds, inconsistencies in Strubing's account emerge, and it's revealed that Spell and Strubing had consensual relations. However, fearing societal repercussions, Strubing fabricated the assault allegations. The defense confronts systemic racism and prejudice, striving to ensure a fair trial.
Ultimately, the jury delivers a "not guilty" verdict, marking a significant victory for civil rights and setting the stage for Marshall's illustrious legal career.
- IMDB Rating - 7.3/10
- Director - Reginald Hudlin
- Writers - Michael Koskoff, Jacob Koskoff
- Stars - Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Kate Hudson
