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Trailer+1 trailer

Bessie

2015Movie1 h 47 min

DramaMusic
78
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb6.7Rotten Tomatoes91%68%

A moving, melancholic drama movie about a real life story and history, with standout performances and score.

Good for date night · friends night · teens

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Not for laughs or scares.

Movies with

Story

Survival began with a song

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

Feels like

  • Biographical Drama
  • Blues Music
  • 1920s-30s Setting
  • Strong Female Lead
  • Showbiz
  • Social Commentary
  • Class and Capitalism
  • Pathos
  • Music-Driven Narrative

Cast

24 of 49

Crew

Directed by
Dee Rees
Written by
Bettina Gilois, Horton Foote, Dee Rees
Produced by
Ron Schmidt
Music by
Rachel Portman

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

May 16, 2015 · 1 h 47 min · Strong Language, Drug Use

Released
May 16, 2015
Runtime
1 h 47 min
Content
Strong Language, Drug Use
Genres
Drama, Music, TV Movie
Original language
English
Made in
United States
Available in
86 countries

Q&A

4 questions, like "Where can I stream Bessie?"

Questions about Bessie

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Bessie?

HBO Max

In the United States, Bessie streams on HBO Max. You can rent or buy it from Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It also streams in 83 other countries.

Is Bessie worth watching?

78
GreatGoodWatch score

Mostly, it's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78 (IMDb 6.7 and Rotten Tomatoes 91%). Critics rate it higher (91 out of 100) than audiences (68).

Is Bessie good for date night?

and 2 moreDate NightPartner WatchAdultsFriends NightPublic Viewing Safe

Yes: romance is 6 of 10, and the viewing guide lists it for date night.

Is Bessie plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (8 of 10) and pathos (8 of 10) more than on its plot.