Review of What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015) by Alex G — 22 Mar 2016

An example of a powerful and impartial biographical documentary, What Happened, Miss Simone? chronicles the good and the bad in the life of singer and songwriter, Nina Simone from its struggling beginnings to its unusual and tumultuous career. As someone completely oblivious of her music prior to this film, I must say I found her voice, her personality, and her purpose within it. The film succeeds in narrating every aspect of her life in a modest and simple way, never taking sides.

Director Liz Garbus manages to effectively transmit the importance of her subject, making you fall in love with Nina Simone, without falling in love with her herself. With this, a certain truthfulness is conveyed all throughout the documentary becoming more sincere and convincing. The usage of footage and terrific interviews, only adds to the value of this film as well as the legacy of Nina Simone.

Whether you are her biggest fan or, like me, completely oblivious to her music, scandals, or importance in the civil rights movement, this is an enjoyable and informative documentary, that contains what many others lack, an unbiased truthful story.