The United States vs. Billie Holiday

This film tells the riveting and painful story of jazz legend Billie Holiday, focusing intensely on the years when she was targeted by the U.S. government over her political song "Strange Fruit." It's much more than a music biopic—the core is Holiday's battle against both addiction and the relentless persecution led by the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, painted as a pointed reflection of American hypocrisy and racial injustice. It's both a celebration and a tragedy, unfolding in a dim world that somehow manages to pulse with Holiday's magnetism.

Andra Day's performance is the real anchor here—she's phenomenal, especially for someone stepping into her first major acting role. Day doesn't just mimic Holiday; she finds a way to channel her tough, battered charisma, making the musical performances both haunting and uniquely vulnerable. Some scenes, especially her renditions of key songs, stop the film in its tracks with sheer emotional force.

The movie doesn't entirely avoid the pitfalls of the biopic structure; some narrative pacing issues crop up, and there are moments that feel like they lean a bit too heavily on iconography without digging as deeply as they might've. The attempts at stylized visual storytelling—the big, moody close-ups, the dreamlike transitions—sometimes work brilliantly but can also feel heavy-handed. The story jumps around, and at times it blurs facts for dramatic effect, which can be frustrating if you want a clear biography.

Still, the lush cinematography and costumes are hard to ignore. Vintage sets and locations draw you straight into the 1940s and '50s, and there are some beautifully composed shots—gritty and saturated—that add a noir-ish gloss to a bleak story. Supporting performances are solid, though they're somewhat overshadowed by Day's presence.

You'd enjoy this if you like stories about artists who clash with the system, especially if you want to see a less-told but deeply American tale of resistance and resilience. It's not always fun to watch, but it's rewarding if you want a headier, rawer music biopic than the usual fare.