Nominated to the Supreme Court in 1991, Judge Clarence Thomas (Wendell Pierce) must testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee after Anita Hill (Kerry Washington), his former employee, alleges she was sexually harassed by Thomas.
In revisiting the hearing 25 years after it happened, Confirmation offers a chance to consider its impact, and what it lacks in stylistic verve, it makes up for with methodical storytelling.
The case for Anita Hill -- and all the unknown Anita Hills -- is argued persuasively in "Confirmation," a dutiful, solidly entertaining drama that effectively stirs the viewer's righteous indignation.
The proceedings riveted America and brought sexual harassment and workplace equality into the forefront of our conversation. Of course we know how this case ends too... but that doesn't make reliving it any less fascinating, or important.
Filled with affecting and nuanced performances, Confirmation is an upsetting film to watch, hitting far too close to the bone to feel like a period piece about a regrettable moment from which we have learned.
Beyond the cultural pop, it is also an engaging film with strong writing, sure-handed direction, superb editing and outstanding performances from Washington and Pierce.
HBO's original film about the 1991 Clarence Thomas hearings is a quietly powerful portrait of institutional dysfunction in the face of an uncomfortable truth.
Save for a few scenes that feel like overkill just to give us a little bit more intrigue and suspense, Confirmation feels true to the spirit of the events, which were bizarre, unsettling - and undeniably entertaining.
