Its title might nod to Richard Williams (Will Smith), the father and tireless coach of tennis legends Venus and Serena (Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton), but crucial to the success of Reinaldo Marcus Green’s soaring sports epic is Aunjanue Ellis as their fiercely protective, no-nonsense mother, Oracene. She works double shifts as a nurse, is unafraid of calling out her husband when he falls short, and nurtures her daughters with the same dedication that she brings to their training. In the end, they owe her just as much as they owe him.
How to watch: Stream on Apple TV, Max, Netflix, or YouTube.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (2023)
Photo: Courtesy Everett Collection
In Kelly Fremon Craig’s heartwarming rendering of Judy Blume’s seminal tale of girlhood joy and anguish, Abby Ryder Fortson is wonderful as the titular 11-year-old grappling with growing pains, new friendships, crushes, and a move to the suburbs, as is Rachel McAdams as her supportive mother, a painter and art teacher who sets her own passions aside to become more involved in her daughter’s parent-teacher association. As they both lose themselves and then, slowly, rediscover their identities, their unshakeable bond is always visible.
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