Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Real-life tearjerker shows how lies hurt, truth heals.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
What's the Story?
THE IMMORTAL LIFE OF HENRIETTA LACKS tells the story of how journalist Rebecca Skloot (Rose Byrne) research and wrote the book of the same name. Skloot was fascinated by the origin of the famous research HeLa (from HEnrietta LAcks) cells in college. She eventually asks Henrietta's daughter Deborah to help her research Henrietta's life as she prepares to write the book on the subject. Skeptical because of all the times the family has been lied to or had information withheld about their mom from the white-dominated medical profession, Deborah and her family cautiously cooperate with Skloot to put the pieces of their mom's life and medical puzzle back together. Through interviews with the family, many trips back to Virginia where Lacks was originally from, and historical research, Skloot finally writes a best-selling book book, and she and Deborah eventually help bring some healing to the Lacks family -- and recognition to Henrietta Lacks.
Is It Any Good?
This incredible true story, medical mystery, and family drama shows how fascinating, damaging, and anger-provoking the injustices of history can be. In the midst of all the wrongs, however, the uplifting parts of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks show that healing can happen in any situation, no matter how complicated. Oprah Winfrey as Deborah Lacks brings a conviction to the now-deceased Deborah that speaks volumes to the eternal relationship between mother and child. When Skloot tells Deborah that "there isn't a person alive who hasn't benefited from your mother's cells," one can feel the sad irony in Deborah's mix of pride in her mom and anger that many members of the Lacks family struggled financially and with health issues.
Renee Elise Goldsberry's portrayal of the young Henrietta Lacks shows the vibrant life of a woman history tried to forget, but who was as full of life and caring for others in her lifetime as her cells remain to this day. This tear-jerking story of an unsung hero is just as good (even better in some ways) than the best-selling book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of learning about history. Knowing what really happened -- and who contributed to those important milestones in history -- can bring true heroes to light. What did you learn from The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?
Talk to your kid about how Rebecca Skloot had to use empathy throughout her reporting. What would it feel like to be Rebecca, working on this important project that was so personally sensitive to this family? Why is empathy an important character strength?
Ask your teen: Is there a story that fascinates you so much that you'd be willing to spend months of your time and energy uncovering more about it? If so, why?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 24, 2017
- Cast : Oprah Winfrey , Rose Byrne , Renee Elise Goldsberry
- Director : George C. Wolfe
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Harpo Studios
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : October 8, 2024
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