The release of Respect (2021), directed by Liesl Tommy, stands as a testament not only to the musical genius of Aretha Franklin but also to her unparalleled resilience in the face of personal struggles. Played by Jennifer Hudson, Franklin’s life story is chronicled from her early years as the daughter of a gospel preacher to her meteoric rise as the Queen of Soul. While the film portrays Franklin’s career milestones and groundbreaking performances, it places particular emphasis on her psychological transformation—from a girl seeking self-worth in the shadows of trauma to a woman asserting her voice and reclaiming her identity. Through powerful scenes and Hudson’s captivating performance, Respect invites the audience to witness Franklin’s reclamation of power, both personally and professionally.
Early Struggles and Psychological Turmoil
The film opens with a young Aretha Franklin (portrayed by Skye Dakota Turner) performing at her father’s church in Detroit, under the domineering eye of her father, Reverend C.L. Franklin (Forest Whitaker). His controlling presence, combined with the loss of her mother (who leaves when Aretha is still a child), sets the stage for an emotional journey that would shape her throughout her life. From a young age, Franklin is exposed to both the power and the darkness of the world around her. Her father’s overbearing nature, while fostering her musical talents, also serves as an early source of trauma. His unyielding demands and his exploitation of her talent as a child prodigy create a foundation of internal conflict, as Franklin learns to equate love and approval with sacrifice.
The absence of her mother, Barbara Franklin, adds to this emotional void. Aretha’s early attempts to understand her identity are complicated by the psychological void left by her mother’s departure. She is forced to navigate a world in which her worth seems contingent on her performance—both as a daughter and a gospel singer. The film subtly highlights how these formative years contributed to Franklin’s struggles with self-esteem and personal boundaries. In later years, Franklin would confront the trauma stemming from this childhood, but not without significant emotional cost.
The early scenes of Respect thus lay the groundwork for Aretha’s lifelong battle with the forces that sought to define her—her father’s controlling influence, the absence of a maternal figure, and the early pressures of fame. These factors converge to shape the psychological turmoil that Franklin will carry with her throughout her journey to stardom. Her struggles with self-worth and independence are not just personal; they are interwoven with the historical and social pressures placed upon Black women in a patriarchal and racially charged society. As the film unfolds, these challenges are reframed not just as obstacles to success but as vital components of Franklin’s emotional and artistic evolution.
Key Scene – The Turning Point
A defining moment in Respect comes when Aretha, now an adult, finds herself in a toxic and exploitative relationship with her manager, Ted White (Marlon Wayans). White manipulates and controls Aretha’s career and personal life, pushing her further into a cycle of dependency and emotional isolation. In one pivotal scene, Franklin, already worn by years of physical, emotional, and professional struggles, confronts White. After a particularly abusive episode, she finds herself at a crossroads, questioning whether she can continue living under the suffocating influence of others.
This scene marks a turning point in Franklin’s life—a moment of realization that her talent, her identity, and her voice have been stifled by those around her. In a quiet but powerful decision, Franklin takes control of her own narrative. She chooses to walk away from the manipulation and take ownership of her career, rejecting the paternalistic figures who have sought to mold her into a product. This moment is both a literal and figurative turning point—Aretha Franklin decides not only to reclaim her career but also to reclaim her personal agency.
The scene is a masterclass in psychological transformation. Jennifer Hudson’s performance captures Franklin’s vulnerability in the face of betrayal, but also the quiet strength that emerges from within. It is a turning point in Aretha’s career but also in her psychological development. She is no longer a passive figure waiting for others to define her; she is an active participant in her own life. The decision to reject manipulation marks the beginning of her journey toward independence and empowerment.
Psychological Transformation
From this point onward, Aretha’s psychological transformation is both profound and poignant. No longer willing to sacrifice her happiness or self-worth for the sake of others, Franklin begins to assert herself, both in her professional and personal spheres. This transformation is most evident in her music. In the film, Franklin’s relationship with music is shown as deeply intertwined with her sense of self. It is through her music that she processes her pain, finds her voice, and ultimately reclaims her identity.
One of the most powerful moments in Respect is when Aretha records her iconic album Amazing Grace at a live church performance in Los Angeles. The film depicts the emotional catharsis of this moment as Franklin, in a literal and metaphorical sense, sings her way through her trauma. The scene illustrates the psychological liberation that comes with artistic expression, as Aretha moves from a place of internal struggle to one of profound confidence and self-assurance. The recording of Amazing Grace not only marks a turning point in her career but also signifies a new chapter in her emotional evolution—a realization that her worth is not defined by others but by her own capacity to create and express.
As Aretha’s confidence grows, she begins to challenge the limitations imposed on her. She confronts and heals old wounds, facing her past with a sense of clarity and strength. In particular, her relationships with men—both her father and her abusive ex-husband—are redefined as she learns to assert boundaries and demand respect. Her newfound independence is empowering, not just for herself but for the larger cultural conversation around race, gender, and artistic expression. Through Franklin’s story, Respect illustrates the universal struggle of overcoming personal trauma, asserting autonomy, and transforming one’s psychological and emotional state.
The Moment of Empowerment
In the final scenes of the film, Aretha Franklin reaches the pinnacle of her psychological journey. The empowerment that the film conveys is not just about reclaiming her identity as a powerful artist but also about finding peace with herself. These scenes depict Franklin, now confident in her artistry and her sense of self, standing tall as a woman who has conquered the emotional and psychological obstacles that once held her back.
Jennifer Hudson’s portrayal of Aretha in these final moments is nothing short of transformative. As Franklin takes the stage at the Kennedy Center Honors to sing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” she is not just performing a song; she is demonstrating her full reclamation of identity and power. This moment of empowerment is captured with emotional depth, highlighting Aretha’s journey from vulnerability to unshakable confidence. Through Hudson’s performance, the audience can see the depth of Franklin’s psychological growth—the liberation from a past that sought to define her and the embracing of a future where she is in control.
In these final moments, Franklin has fully realized her worth. She is no longer seeking validation from others but is instead affirming her place in history as one of the greatest artists of all time. Respect ends with Franklin standing tall as a beacon of strength, independence, and empowerment. Her psychological transformation is complete, and in that transformation, we see the broader message of the film—that the journey toward empowerment is not just about external success but also about internal healing and self-acceptance.
Conclusion
Respect is not merely a biographical film about Aretha Franklin’s rise to fame; it is a powerful exploration of the psychological journey of a woman who overcame personal adversity to claim her voice and her identity. From the trauma of her childhood to the psychological liberation of her later years, the film portrays Franklin’s transformation in a way that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through Jennifer Hudson’s extraordinary performance, the film captures the emotional complexity of Franklin’s life, illustrating how she overcame her inner turmoil and became a symbol of strength, independence, and empowerment.
In the end, Respect is a tribute not just to Franklin’s career but to her remarkable resilience. It tells the story of a woman who, against all odds, found her voice—and in doing so, reshaped the musical landscape and the cultural conversation about race, gender, and artistic freedom. Through Franklin’s story, the film reminds us that the journey to self-discovery is often fraught with difficulty, but it is also filled with the potential for transformation and triumph.
