This long-awaited biopic follows the rise of Aretha Franklin's career, from a child singing in her father's church choir to international super-stardom.
In 1950s Detroit, 10-year old ‘Ree’ is regularly brought out at parties to wow her father’s friends with her stunning voice, but shadows hang all around her in the forms of her estranged mother and the various men who seek to exploit her. Singing in church is swiftly followed by record deals and shows, but success eludes Aretha, who has only one goal in mind: 'I want to record hits.' When she connects with famed producer Jerry Wexler, who introduces her to the legendary Muscle Shoals studio in Alabama, inspiration strikes and Aretha begins to find her own voice, and her own songs to sing.
Jennifer Hudson rises to the challenge of playing the Queen of Soul with an unforgettable lead performance of grit and passion, while Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Marc Maron and Andra McDonald head up a talent-stuffed supporting cast. Packed with spine-tingling music moments, Respect is the remarkable true story of Aretha's journey to find her voice.