Andra Day (Marshall) plays the late black, bold and beautiful Billie Holiday in the highly anticipated film The United States vs. Billie Holiday, delivering a goosebump performance worthy of an Academy award with just a glimpse from the trailer, alone.
Directed by Lee Daniels, the film adapted from the novel penned by British writer Johann Hari, the trailer encapsulates a moment in time when the integrity and messaging of music was so influential on society that the powers that be tried their hardest to infiltrate and control the conduits of the art.
The United States vs. Billie Holiday follows the Jazz singer throughout her infectious career as her powerhouse voice, and in particular, her soul-wrenching song “Strange Fruit” makes her the target of the federal government. Just like any great, there’s always tragedy behind the triumph.
The real life Billie Holiday was well-known for her singing talents, as much as she was for her heroin addiction and romantic trysts, all while growing up during the Jim Crow era. Her storied experience made for an even more legendary legacy. Lovingly known as Lady Day, the troubled singer would pass away at the age of 44 in New York after suffering ailments of the liver and heart.
The pic penned by Suzan-Lori Parks has a stellar ensemble that includes Tyler James Williams (Dear White People), Natasha Lyonne (Uncut Gems), former University of Texas, Austin track star-turned-actor Trevante Rhodes (Bird Box), and SAG nominated actor Garrett Hedlund (Mudbound).
The United States vs. Billie Holiday premieres February 26 on Hulu. See the trailer below:
