'Sublime' Cynthia Erivo film that earned her two Oscar nominations before Wicked now streaming for free

Cynthia Erivo's portrayal in the highly praised 2019 historical drama earned her not just one, but two Academy Award nominations.

Her compelling performance as a renowned real-life figure solidified her status as a household name following an outstanding Broadway career.

In addition to her acting, she co-wrote the original song Stand Up with Joshuah Brian Campbell for the biopic, which secured her dual Oscar nods in 2019.

The film is now available for Netflix subscribers to stream at no additional cost and it's certainly one to add to your December watchlist.

If you've already been captivated by Erivo in Wicked, don't miss her equally impressive yet contrasting performance as abolitionist Harriet Tubman in Harriet, reports the Mirror.

Directed by Kasi Lemmons, who also helmed Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody, the drama chronicles Tubman's daring escape from slavery in the 19th Century and her subsequent rise to become one of America's greatest heroes.

The cast also includes Leslie Odom Jr, Joe Alwyn, and fellow singer Janelle Monae.

A synopsis states: "Her courage, ingenuity and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history."

Simran Hans of The Guardian described the film as "long overdue" and noted that it "[focuses] on liberation and solidarity, rather than amplifying pain, trauma and humiliation.

"So often, historical films are stale and mired in misery, but Harriet has a rare buoyancy."

Critic Peter Bradshaw hailed Erivo as "sublime" and "terrific" in her portrayal of Tubman, saying: "Erivo embodies Harriet's courage, resourcefulness, physical toughness, talent (and relish) for disguise and untutored genius for guerrilla warfare."

Although some critics felt the film slipped into familiar biopic territory, all agreed that Erivo's performance was a tour-de-force. Mark Kermode praised the film, saying it had a "It has a central performance that carries the drama shoulder-high" and was "it's gripping."

On Letterboxd, one reviewer raved: "Harriet Tubman is stronger and smarter than most of us ever will be and it's literally sick that this film, Cynthia's performance (and her voice...wow, her voice) and most importantly, Harriet Tubman herself are so underrated and under-appreciated. When I saw this in theaters, I was in awe."

Another reviewer wrote: "Cynthia Erivo delivers the best performance of her career in a powerful biopic of an inspirational woman who escapes from slavery and makes it her mission to rescue other slaves trapped in this terrible situation."

If you've already seen Erivo shine on the big screen, be sure to catch her breathtaking performance in this powerful historical drama.

Harriet is available to stream on Netflix.

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