Respect is a 2021 American biographical musical drama that dramatizes the life and career of singer Aretha Franklin. Directed by Liesl Tommy in her feature-film debut, the picture centers on Franklin's early years in gospel music, her rise to fame, and the personal and professional challenges she faced along the way. The lead role is played by Jennifer Hudson, whose casting and vocal performances were key selling points for the production.

The film takes its title from Franklin's signature version of the song "Respect," an anthem associated with her artistic identity and cultural impact. Rather than attempting an exhaustive chronology, the narrative focuses on decisive moments: family dynamics, the influence of church and gospel, the shift to secular soul and R&B, and the pressures of fame. The script interleaves musical sequences with scenes that explore Franklin's relationships and ambitions.

Cast

Behind the camera, Liesl Tommy brought a background in stage direction to a cinematic telling of a musician's life, working with producers and music directors to recreate period performances and studio sessions. Jennifer Hudson, an Oscar-winning actor and singer, underwent voice and performance preparation to inhabit the role; the film features both on-screen singing and carefully produced soundtrack elements intended to evoke Franklin's recordings and live appearances.

Respect was released in the United States on August 13, 2021. Critics and audiences commonly highlighted Hudson's performance and several musical sequences as strengths, while some commentary observed that condensing a rich life into a standard feature length required narrative choices that left other aspects less explored. The movie functions both as entertainment and a tribute to a major figure in American popular music.

The cultural significance of the story lies in its subject's influence: Aretha Franklin's voice, repertoire and public persona helped shape soul music and civil rights-era soundscapes. As a mainstream biopic, Respect renewed attention to Franklin's catalog for new listeners and contributed to ongoing conversations about how film portrays complex artists. For further details on the film's production, cast interviews and soundtrack information see the official film pages and press materials linked here: official movie page.