Watch Confirmation

Confirmation is a powerful and insightful drama film that premiered on HBO in 2016. Directed by Rick Famuyiwa and written by Susannah Grant, the movie chronicles the explosive Senate hearings that followed the appointment of Judge Clarence Thomas to the United States Supreme Court in 1991. The cast features a wealth of talented actors, including Kerry Washington, Wendell Pierce, Greg Kinnear, and Jeffrey Wright.

At the center of the story is Anita Hill, a soft-spoken, confident lawyer who worked for Clarence Thomas at the Department of Education and later at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Played with grace and conviction by Kerry Washington, Hill is initially reluctant to come forward with allegations of sexual harassment against Thomas, fearing retaliation and public humiliation. However, when Thomas is nominated to the highest court in the land, Hill decides to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee, setting in motion a dramatic showdown that captivated the nation.

The film shows how Hill's accusations set off a firestorm of controversy and partisan politics, with Thomas defending himself vehemently against the charges while Hill faces aggressive questioning and character attacks from the all-male committee. At the same time, the White House and the media weigh in on the proceedings, fueling the already intense media coverage and escalating the tension between the rival factions.

Wendell Pierce delivers an excellent performance as Thomas, capturing the character's firmness and bombast while also revealing moments of vulnerability and doubt. Greg Kinnear, in turn, plays Joe Biden, the Democratic chairman of the Judiciary Committee, with great nuance and sensitivity, portraying him as a deeply conflicted figure who is torn between political expediency and respect for Hill's courage.

One of the strengths of Confirmation is its ability to capture the complexity and ambiguity of the events that unfolded, refusing to take sides or reduce the characters to simplistic stereotypes. The film's nuanced portrayal of Hill is particularly noteworthy, as it shows how her decision to speak out was not just a matter of moral conviction but also a reflection of her commitment to social justice and her faith in the legal system to protect the rights of the marginalized.

In addition to the outstanding performances by the main cast, the film features strong supporting work from Jeffrey Wright as Charles Ogletree, Hill's lawyer and mentor, and Eric Stonestreet as Ken Duberstein, a Republican lobbyist who works to shepherd Thomas's confirmation through the Senate. The film also benefits from its attention to historical detail and its use of archival footage from the proceedings, which adds authenticity and immediacy to the story.

Overall, Confirmation is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most controversial and significant events in modern American political history. By exploring the personal and political ramifications of Anita Hill's testimony, the film highlights the enduring struggle for equality and respect in our society and reminds us of the power of individuals to make a difference in the face of adversity.

Confirmation is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.