Harriet release date, cast, trailer, plot – all you need to know

Harriet is a new period film following the life of Harriet Tubman, a freedom fighter who fought for the abolition of slavery. Starring Cynthia Erivo, the film has played at various festival to praise from critics. Here is everything you need to know about Harriet, from the film’s UK release date to the cast information.

When is Harriet out in cinemas?

The movie has been doing the festival rounds, having first been seen at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

Harriet has also already been shown in London by those lucky enough to catch a showing, when it premiered in the UK on October 11 at the London Film Festival.

However, the film is on general release in the UK on November 22.

What is the plot of Harriet?

The film follows the life of revolutionary and real-life abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

The synopsis from Focus Features reads: “Based on the thrilling and inspirational life of an iconic American freedom fighter, Harriet tells the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes.

“Her courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.”

Who is in the cast of Harriet?

Cynthia Erivo stars as Harriet Tubman, the freedom fighter, and Leslie Odom Jr plays William Still, a writer and abolitionist who connects with Harriet.

Joe Alwyn plays Gideon Brodess, the son of farm owners pursuing Harriet, while Jangle Monáe plays Marie Buchanan, a friend to Harriet.

Jennifer Nettles is Eliza Brodess, a co-owner of the slave-owning farm, and Henry Hunter Hall plays a black slave-tracker.

Harriet’s parents are played by Vanessa Bell Calloway and Clarke Peters, as Rit and Ben Ross, and Zackary Momoh plays John, Harriet’s first husband.

Other members of the cast include Deborah Ayorinde, Vondie Curtis-Hall, Omar Dorsey, Tory Kittles, Tim Guinee and Brian K Landis.

Is there a trailer for Harriet?

In the film, Harriet is seen escaping horrific conditions as a slave, where she bravely vows she will “be free or die.”

Suddenly, she is seen arriving in a city where she has travelled for 100 miles on her own to escape a state where slavery is still allowed.

Harriet chooses a new name for herself and, while still battling with the trauma of her past, sets to work to change things for others.

She goes back to where she was enslaved and attempts to free those she toiled alongside, including her husband.

Using the underground railroad, she helps people to escape their captors, telling those around her: “God don’t mean people to own people…

“I would give every last drop of blood in my mains until this monster called slavery is dead.”

Harriet is in cinemas from November 22