Lady sings the blues

Viola Davis plays a legendary 1920s singer in Chadwick Boseman’s last ever film

- JUDY EWENS, REBECCA MAHONEY, SEAN MARLAND

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

NEW Genre: Drama Available: Friday 18 December Runs: 94min TVSW says: A fine tribute to the talents of Chadwick Boseman

With thick make-up, gold teeth and a diva swagger, Oscar-winner Viola Davis transforms into iconic blues singer Gertrude ‘Ma’ Rainey in this powerful Netflix film set in 1927 Chicago.

Adapted from August Wilson’s 1982 play, the film follows fearless and fiery Ma as she’s recording an album with a band of black musicians, including ambitious and hot-headed trumpeter Levee (the late Chadwick Boseman).