The critically acclaimed musical film The Color Purple will depart Netflix on November 1, 2023, leaving fans with only days to experience its emotional journey. Adapted from the 2005 Broadway musical, which itself is based on Alice Walker‘s celebrated novel, the film has garnered significant praise, achieving an impressive 95% on Rotten Tomatoes’ audience score and an 81% from critics.
Directed by Blitz Bazawule, The Color Purple spans from 1910 to 1940, chronicling the life of Celie, a woman who overcomes tremendous hardship to find strength and hope through the bonds of sisterhood. The film features a talented cast, including Fantasia Barrino as Celie and Danielle Brooks as Sofia, alongside notable performances from Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Halle Bailey, and a cameo by Whoopi Goldberg.
Audience and Critical Reception
The film has resonated with audiences, earning accolades for its vibrant storytelling and outstanding performances. Reviews describe it as “crowd-pleasing” and “emotional,” highlighting the exceptional singing and dancing that enhance the narrative. One viewer remarked, “This movie was AWESOME! Fantasia did an outstanding job – very impressed!” Another stated, “Beautiful movie from beginning to end! Made me cry!”
Despite the positive reception, some critics voiced reservations. One wrote, “It’s a punishingly bleak story, and the songs, with their antiseptic polished sheen, seem fundamentally out of tune with the unforgiving grit of the plot.” Another critic noted, “Blitz Bazawule adds conspicuous pizzazz to the musical numbers, but ‘Historical Racism: The Feelgood Musical’ was always going to be a hard sell.”
The critics’ consensus on Rotten Tomatoes acknowledges the film’s successful blend of the previous adaptation’s legacy with new stage musical elements, stating it is “a crowd-pleasing testament to resilience in the face of trauma.”
Streaming Landscape and Upcoming Removals
As November approaches, Netflix will undergo significant content changes, with numerous films and shows set to be removed. Alongside The Color Purple, titles such as the 2005 adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Despicable Me, and the Shrek films will also leave the platform.
For fans wishing to catch The Color Purple before it departs, time is of the essence. The film’s emotional depth and musical vibrancy continue to attract viewers, making its impending exit from Netflix a notable event in the streaming landscape.
