The overbearing, obsessive father micromanaging the lives of his daughters, tennis superstar sisters Venus and Serena Williams. I wasn’t sure this story interested me when I first heard about it. I’m not a huge tennis fan, but as a devoted sports follower, I am well aware of their greatness. Serena is at GOAT status. But what little I had heard about Richard Williams over the years was negative and unflattering. How would this film, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men) in conjunction with the Williams sisters as producers, tell the story of the father/coach?
King Richard stars Will Smith (Men in Black, I, Robot) in a commanding, multi-dimensional performance. It’s an Oscar nomination for sure, and just could be his first win (previously nominated for Ali and The Pursuit of Happyness). This movie is about him. His 78-page plan for success…prepared before the sisters were born! A roadmap from Compton to Wimbledon. Practices for the girls at all times of day and night, rain or shine. Shunning the Junior circuit, the usual stepping stone for all the other tennis star hopefuls. Going against the advice of expert coaches, such as his mantra to, “open your stance.” He never stops talking, doesn’t take no for an answer, and infuriates everyone in his orbit. He’s also funny, bringing home numerous zingers in his understated bravado. All delivered in his short shorts and knee-high white socks.
His questionable behavior and unconventional methods are counter balanced by his life as a dedicated family man with an undeniable love for his daughters. Not just Venus and Serena. There were three other daughters! I had no idea. They all share the same small bedroom and the back of the VW van on the way to the next practice. I never heard about his wife at all, either. Brandy, played by Aunjanue Ellis, was an integral part of the family and their all-consuming tennis journey. Everyone had a role in this family enterprise.
King Richard is out in theaters now and streaming on HBO Max (at 2:24, it’s maybe a little long.) It’s a remarkable, unknown backstory. This isn’t about the grass courts of Wimbledon, it’s about the cracked pavement and saggy nets of the Compton courts. (When they’re lucky and persistent enough to play on country club courts, the difference is startling, as is their presence there). The movie is also not about all the championships the sisters have won. It’s about their early years as 8-14-year-olds. As the older sister, the story focuses on Venus as she overcomes the seemingly insurmountable odds against her. We can argue about his methods, but with dogged determination Richard’s plan for the girls actually became a reality. He called them his “ghetto Cinderellas” and they became champions.
D² Rating ◼◼◼◩☐
Trivia ? – Serena has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, second only to whom?
Answer: Margaret Court with 24