Bessie

Bessie has built a devoted audience in Australia on Foxtel Now and HBO Max, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel among viewers who want their drama to earn its emotional beats. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Queen Latifah's performance alone is worth the time investment. There is no real reason to keep putting it off — it is right there on Foxtel Now.

Bessie is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Bessie takes its time building the world its characters inhabit, and the patience pays off. The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s. Queen Latifah and Mo'Nique lead a cast that treats the material with real seriousness. Bessie came out in 2015. What elevates Bessie is a refusal to let any character off the hook too easily. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Bessie is what you recommend to people who say they do not really watch much. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Best experienced as a single, sustained watch from start to finish. Queen Latifah anchors a cast that never overplays its hand. The kind of drama that stays with you well after the finale.

Bessie was released in 2015, directed by Dee Rees. The full 107-minute film is available to watch now. Find exactly where it's streaming below, and TV Butler Pro makes it effortless to track your progress as you go. Just search the name, and Butler finds it instantly, tells you which service has it, and remembers exactly where you left off.