'The Color Purple' movie review: A fantastic Fantasia Barrino brings new depth to 2023 film

From a huge Gramophone to a dizzying array of showstopping pants, the movie musical of “The Color Purple” may be a different experience than previous versions but it’s no less breathtaking or vital.

You’ll laugh, cry, probably hum an earworming melody or two and definitely tap your foot up a storm watching director Blitz Bazawule’s vibrant take on the Broadway show and the latest adaptation of Alice Walker’s seminal novel about the Black American experience. This "Color Purple" (★★★½ out of four; rated PG-13; in theaters Dec. 25) features stage standouts – and likely Oscar nominees – Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks heading up a stellar cast in what should be, like its cinematic predecessor, a best picture contender.

Even if you’re ride or die for Steven Spielberg’s excellent 1985 hit movie, don’t give the redo any side-eye: The musical delves into the same painful hardships and character drama, though a parade of songs does make it all much more accessible, especially for younger viewers. 

The plot takes place over four decades, starting in 1909 with teenage sisters Celie (Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) and Nettie (Halle Bailey). They grow up in small-town coastal Georgia as close as two siblings can get, helping each other in good times and bad – like when Celie gives birth to the second of two children by her cruel father Alfonso (Deon Cole), who takes the kids away. When banjo-playing charmer Mister (Colman Domingo) comes calling for a wife, Alfonso gives him Celie. He’s physically and emotionally abusive to her, and when Nettie needs to stay with them, he runs her off.

The sisters promise to write each other, but over the years, Mister isolates Celie (played by Barrino as an adult) from Nettie and the rest of the world. But the embattled Celie’s loving heart can’t be contained, as she cares for Mister’s son Harpo (Corey Hawkins) and Harpo's on-again, off-again girlfriend Sofia (Brooks). Celie envies Sofia's toughness as a spirited force of nature, and she also strikes up a close friendship with blues singer Shug Avery (Taraji P. Henson), Mister’s former mistress.

Celie, Sofia and Shug form a close bond where they help each other through wrongful incarcerations and toxic relationships, and Celie especially blossoms thanks to this sisterhood, even as she still yearns for her own long-lost Nettie. The situations she navigates are real and gritty, though the colorful musical numbers add a sense of magical realism as they bring Celie's imagination to life: Bathing her fabulous new friend's back in a tub leads to a fantastical moment where Celie sings “Dear God – Shug” while dancing on a humongous record player, and the put-upon woman exudes sheer joy in the fashionably jazzy and dreamy “Miss Celie’s Pants.” 

“American Idol” Season 3 winner Barrino reprises her role as Celie (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the ’85 film) from the Broadway “Color Purple” and brings all her emotions to bear in a superb performance. The musical's ultimately feel-good narrative hinges on Barrino’s deft navigation of a gut-wrenching character arc – and she can still belt like a champ.

What was the best movie of 2023?From 'Barbie' to 'Poor Things,' these are our top 10

Similarly, Brooks brings a feisty depth to Sofia – she earned a Tony nod playing the role – and it’s a delight to see her tear into those who dare get in her way. Henson rounds out the trio as the luminous Shug, a woman who knows how to make an entrance yet also harbors her own regrets when it comes to her pastor dad (David Alan Grier).

With Spielberg, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey (the OG Sofia from ’85) on board as producers, “Color Purple” is awash in starpower with strong supporting turns from Louis Gossett Jr., Ciara, Jon Batiste and Gabriella Wilson (aka H.E.R.), plus one noteworthy cameo that old-school fans will enjoy. And Bazawule keeps it all moving − from top-notch production design and electric dance choreography to anthemic songs like Sofia’s signature “Hell No!” − for a jubilant shade of “Purple” unlike any seen before.

'I dare not stay quiet':Fantasia Barrino accuses Airbnb host of racial profiling