From the mid-90s and well into the 2000s, Richard Williams was a lightning rod for controversy and criticism based on media and public perception of his hands-on approach with his daughters’ tennis careers. The name rings a bell for anyone who followed sports at that time. However, very little is discussed or known about Williams as a man and father.
King Richard aims to fill that void. Starring Will Smith as Richard Williams, the film takes an intimate look at how Williams took his daughters, Venus and Serena, from the streets of Compton to becoming champions and arguably 2 of the best (the best in Serena’s case) ever to touch a tennis racquet.
The story of Richard Williams and how he guided Venus and Serena’s career is already intriguing. That being said, does King Richard give proper respect to the man we’ve only known through controversy?
Before his marital issues became unsolicited fodder for social media and a few movie missteps (I label him eternally unforgiven for Seven Pounds), Will Smith was one of the best talents in Hollywood of this era, if not ever. His turn in King Richard is a firm reminder of why the masses should never forget that notion regardless of how much we’d rather not hear his and Jada’s pillow talk.
Smith avoids conventional biopic trope and plays the role as less an impression of Richard and more as a father and husband leading his family away from the perils of Compton. His voice and diction are almost identical to Richard’s, but Smith comes as close to looking like him as Joe Rogan’s medical advice comes to stopping the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the physical difference opens the door for the performance’s strength to shine – how much Smith puts into the role.
As Richard, Smith goes from witty to poignant, relentless to charming, and stern to vulnerable with ease. It’s a gumbo of everything that endeared him to audiences over his 30+ years on camera. It establishes an authenticity that otherwise wouldn’t exist if a heavier physical resemblance was present. Smith will no doubt be among the top best actor candidates for this year.
Smith dominates the court in King Richard, but the supporting cast matches him volley for volley. Aunjanue Ellis is a quiet presence as Oracene “Brandy” Williams (now Price), the family's matriarch, for most of the film. Yet, her lines hit hard when she speaks, specifically during a climatic disagreement with Richard in which it’s clear this isn’t a one-person show in life or on-screen. Saniyyah Sidney is excellent as Venus Williams with limited dialogue as well.
The idea of authenticity over style is also beneficial behind the camera. Writer Zach Baylin’s script doesn’t attempt to make Richard appear a perfect man and pulls no punches in pointing out his flaws. Additionally, Baylin focuses more on the parenting of the Williams Sisters and less on the results it bore. The only issue with the script is that Brandy Williams deserved to be a more significant part of the story. Clearly, she was an essential piece to this tale, but the way she’s written does little to show just how much of it she was.
Director Reinaldo Marcus Green paces the film slow but steady, reflecting how Richard’s story was not an overnight success. It feels a little long-winded at times, but again authenticity over style made it necessary. While there are plenty of light moments to be had, Green makes sure King Richard remains grounded in the work its namesake is doing throughout the film. He also avoids saturating King Richard with the sappiness that could come quickly for a sports-related underdog story like this one.
Ultimately, King Richard is an underdog story that will resonate with you and every member of your family. The acting is superb as Smith has to be an awards season frontrunner for best actor, and Ellis warrants mention in the best supporting actress conversation, despite her part being underwritten.
King Richard’s commitment to authenticity is also a huge plus. Baylin and Green’s focus on the intricate pieces of what it takes to become a champion in sports and life give what could be considered a sports fairy tale the realness it needs to resonate with today’s audiences.
King Richard truly gives Richard Williams the flowers he deserved so long ago and is a must-see for all.
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