Watch Confirmation

Confirmation is a 2016 HBO original film that depicts the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings in 1991. The film showcases the deep-seated gender and racial tensions of the time, which were brought to the forefront during the nomination process. Kerry Washington plays the role of Anita Hill, an African-American law professor who worked under Clarence Thomas. In the film, she is called to testify against Thomas after he is nominated for a position in the Supreme Court, claiming that he sexually harassed her during the time that they worked together. Her testimony throws Washington into the limelight, with Thomas’ nomination becoming a media frenzy overnight. Wendell Pierce plays the role of Clarence Thomas and delivers an exceptional performance, portraying the same indignation and fury that was seen during the actual hearings.

The film also features a host of other excellent actors, including Greg Kinnear, Thomas’ chief counsel; Alison Wright, as Thomas’ wife; and Jeffrey Wright as Charles Ogletree, Hill’s lawyer. The actors’ performances are on point and manage to capture the essence of the real-life characters that they portray.

The film tells a powerful story, as it explores Hill's battle against the entrenched patriarchy and Thomas' supporters' portrayal of her as politically opportunistic. As we follow Hill's journey through the hearing, we see how she struggles with the weight of her accusations, under immense pressure from both the media and Thomas’ supporters. The way Washington portrays Hill's character is commendable, infusing a sense of sadness and righteous indignation at the unfairness that she faced, both racially and sexually.

Confirmation also digs into the politics of the time, showing the power dynamics between Hill and Thomas, and the sheer complexity of race and gender politics that exist in modern America. Through the film, we are exposed to the harsh reality of politics, where characters often have no real consideration for the truth - yet use it selectively to further their agendas, political or otherwise.

The film is particularly relevant given the ongoing, often toxic discussions surrounding sexual harassment and assault today. The film shows that women accusing men of abuse can face mockery, disbelief, and character assassination. It highlights the struggle and sacrifice of someone like Hill, who faced such opposition while standing up for her beliefs.

The film's direction is another strong suit, thanks to Rick Famuyiwa's deft hand. He manages to balance the right amount of tension, sensitivity, and gravity, without making the film feel over-the-top. He captures the atmosphere and culture of the 1990s without being too self-conscious or sentimental.

Overall, Confirmation is an excellent film with top-notch performances by its actors, an engaging storyline, and extremely relevant themes of gender and race politics. It is a sobering reminder of how far we have come since those hearings in 1991 but at the same time demonstrating just how much more work is left to do. It is a film that deserves to be seen by anyone who wants to understand the complexities of gender and race in America today.

Confirmation is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between May 29, 2016 and on HBO