Introduction
Cinema has the power to transport us into different worlds, entertain, and often, educate us about events from our own history. Many filmmakers draw inspiration from real-life incidents to craft compelling narratives that captivate and resonate with audiences. Hulu, the popular streaming platform, offers a collection of such films that delve into the stories behind real incidents. In this article, we’ll explore five Hulu movies that are based on actual events, each providing a unique and powerful cinematic experience.
“The United States vs. Billie Holiday” (2021)
Directed by Lee Daniels, “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” is a biographical drama that chronicles the life of the legendary jazz and blues singer Billie Holiday. The film is centered around the government’s relentless efforts to target Holiday due to her vocal activism against racial injustice and her performance of the controversial song “Strange Fruit,” which condemned lynching in America.
Andra Day delivers an extraordinary performance as Billie Holiday, earning her an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film offers a powerful and heartbreaking portrayal of the iconic singer’s life, highlighting the immense challenges she faced as both a Black woman and a staunch civil rights advocate during a tumultuous period in American history.
“The Report” (2019)
“The Report,” directed by Scott Z. Burns, is a gripping political drama based on real incidents surrounding the Senate Intelligence Committee’s investigation into the CIA’s post-9/11 Detention and Interrogation Program. Adam Driver plays the lead role of Daniel J. Jones, a Senate staffer tasked with uncovering the disturbing truths behind the program, which involved the use of torture.
The film sheds light on the complexities of government bureaucracy and the moral dilemmas faced by those dedicated to exposing the truth. “The Report” offers a riveting exploration of the pursuit of justice, accountability, and the cost of revealing uncomfortable truths about those in power.
“The Disaster Artist” (2017)
“The Disaster Artist,” directed by James Franco, is a comedy-drama based on the real-life production of the infamously bad cult film “The Room.” The film tells the story of Tommy Wiseau, a mysterious and enigmatic filmmaker, and his friend Greg Sestero as they embark on the production of “The Room,” which would later be regarded as one of the worst movies ever made.
James Franco portrays Tommy Wiseau, and his performance earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award. The film provides a hilarious yet heartfelt look at the passion and determination that can drive even the most unconventional individuals to pursue their dreams in the world of cinema.
“The Favourite” (2018)
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” is a historical drama inspired by the real-life rivalry between Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and Abigail Masham for the favor of Queen Anne of Great Britain during the early 18th century.
The film features remarkable performances by Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone, with Colman winning an Academy Award for her portrayal of Queen Anne. “The Favourite” provides a darkly comedic take on the power struggles and intrigues of the royal court, offering a window into the political machinations of the era.
“Patriots Day” (2016)
Directed by Peter Berg, “Patriots Day” is a gripping drama that recounts the tragic events of the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. The film follows the Boston Police Department, the FBI, and local law enforcement agencies as they work tirelessly to investigate the bombings, identify the perpetrators, and bring them to justice.
Mark Wahlberg stars as Sergeant Tommy Saunders, and the film features a cast of talented actors who bring the real-life heroes and survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing to life. “Patriots Day” pays tribute to the resilience and unity of the people of Boston in the face of a devastating tragedy and showcases the courage of those who responded to the crisis.
Conclusion
Hulu offers a diverse array of movies that draw inspiration from real incidents, shedding light on historical events, individuals, and moments that have left an indelible mark on our world. These films provide an opportunity for viewers to not only be entertained but also to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities, triumphs, and tragedies of our shared history. Whether you’re interested in political dramas, biographical portrayals, or historical comedies, Hulu’s selection of movies based on real incidents has something for everyone, inviting you to explore and reflect upon the fascinating stories that continue to shape our world. Though, Hulu is only available in US and Hulu is geo-restricted in South Africa, UK, Australia, Germany and almost everywhere. To watch Hulu in these countries you will need a VPN.
