'The Six Triple Eight' Reviews: "there won’t be a dry eye for this holiday release"

         On December 6, 2024, with a streaming release on December 20, 2024, Netflix released 'The Six Triple Eight', which has earned a positive response from critics. "The Six Triple Eight is inspired by the first and only Women's Army Corps unit of color to serve overseas in WWII. Despite facing racism and sexism -- and grueling working conditions -- they were committed to serving their country with honor and distinction. Given an extraordinary mission and united in their determination, these unsung heroes delivered hope and shattered barriers." The ensemble cast includes Kerry Washington, Shanice Shantay, Oprah Winfrey, Sam Waterston, Gregg Sulkin, Susan Sarandon, Pepi Sonuga, Ebony Obsidian, Kylie Jefferson, and Sarah Jeffery. But what did the critics say?

        Christopher Lloyd of The Film Yap says, "This historical drama shines a light on the forgotten history of the all-Black Women's Army Corps unit that came through when called upon despite being ignored and degraded by the military." Adding, "It’s a handsomely shot movie (cinematography by Michael Watson), with slightly washed-out colors, and authentic period costumes, vehicles and sets (production design by Sharon Busse). “The Six Triple Eight” may not earn any stripes for originality, but it’s a strong story well-told about some courageous Black women who gave a lot of comfort to war-torn families."

       Ema Sasic of Next Best Picture notes, "Though rough around the edges in many ways, like with its awkward dialogue and some overly cheesy moments, once this film gets to the heart of this troop’s mission, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll enlighten and inspire viewers."

Photo by shraga kopstein on Unsplash

        Pete Hammond of Deadline Hollywood Daily praises the film, stating, "Perry’s script though first zeroes in on the human beings, particularly in opening the film back home where we meet the real-life Lena Denniecott King (nicely played by Ebony Obsidian), whose budding romance with her friend Abrams is interrupted when he is sent off to war. We see him in battle near death as he puts a blood-soaked letter inside his uniform. As the war goes on Lena is distraught, not knowing anything of what has become of him, not receiving any letters. Her story is key here in bringing a personal connection to the greater job this massive group of women must achieve." Continuing, "Washington, complete with Southern accent, starts out a bit as an Officer and a Gentlemen Louis Gossett-style-taskmaster to keep her troops in line, but eventually lets us see the very good-hearted and dedicated person behind the uniform, ultimately earning our tears and respect. She nails it. Norris (Breaking Bad) leaves subtlety at the door, but if every story needs a bad dude to root against, then here it is him. The herculean task of outfitting some 300 or so women ready to go into their own kind of battle is expertly achieved by costume designer Karyn Wagner, and Sharon Busse’s production design puts us right back in that era. Aaron Zigman’s score is effective as is a soaring Diane Warren song “The Journey,” emotionally sung by H.E.R. over the photographic images of the real deal during end credits. The Six Triple Eight smartly avoids over-sentimentalizing the story of these stoic and patriotic women, but also knows when to open the floodgates. In others words, there won’t be a dry eye for this holiday release, a perfect time to reflect on the gift that the 6888th gave to their country."