Few can deny the awesome power of Nina Simone’s iconic voice. Fewer still will be aware of the strength of her words.

Director Liz Garbus paints a fascinating portrait of a woman who reflected her own time and whose presence can still be felt today. It’s hard not to think of what’s happening now in Missouri and South Carolina as she belts out a tune called ‘Mississippi, Goddam’.

The talking head interviews with Nina’s family and former bandmates are pretty standard fare, but the archival footage of Simone singing her heart out makes the film an absolute joy to watch.

A deep and intimate exploration of an artist who was so much more than her greatest hits. This is Netflix’s first original documentary, and they’ve set the bar pretty high. 

RATING: 4/5

INFORMATION

DIRECTOR: Liz Garbus

SYNOPSIS: A documentary about the life and legend Nina Simone, an American singer, pianist, and civil rights activist labeled the “High Priestess of Soul.”

We greatly appreciate that a preview screening of What Happened, Miss Simone? was provided by Netflix.