The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a 2017 biographical drama film directed by George C. Wolfe and starring Oprah Winfrey, Rose Byrne, and Renée Elise Goldsberry. The film is based on the 2010 non-fiction book of the same name by Rebecca Skloot, which tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cancer cells were taken without her knowledge and used for scientific research, leading to countless medical breakthroughs.
The film follows Skloot (played by Byrne) as she investigates the story of Henrietta Lacks (played by Goldsberry) and her family, who were unaware of the use of Henrietta’s cells for decades. Along the way, Skloot forms a close bond with Henrietta’s daughter Deborah (played by Winfrey), who is searching for answers about her mother’s legacy and the impact of her cells on medical science.
The film received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the performances of Winfrey and Goldsberry, as well as the sensitive handling of the story’s complex ethical and social issues. However, some criticized the film for simplifying certain aspects of the story and failing to fully explore the science behind Henrietta’s cells.
Overall, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks is a moving and thought-provoking film that sheds light on a little-known piece of medical history and the human toll of scientific progress.
Duration: 93 min.
