“King Richard”, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, came out on HBO max and in theaters November 19, 2021. The dramatic sports film follows Venus (Saniyya Sidney) and Serena Williams (Demi Singleton) navigating through their father’s, Richard Williams (Will Smith), 78-page plan for their future.

The first half of the film consists of Richard Williams attempting to find an experienced coach to teach Venus and Serena for free, these attempts included pamphlets, videos, and demonstrations. While most of these ventures proved futile Richard continued to search for a coach, going as far as interrupting a practice between two professional tennis players in order to demonstrate the Williams sisters’ skills. However, this proved to be a life changing decision that kicked off the career of Venus Williams.

The sisters did manage to impress the coach with their skills, but he only took one sister to coach, Serena continuing to be coached by their mother. This pattern continued throughout their training with Serena always being in Venus’s Shadow, despite this, Serna was always supportive of her sister’s success.

The themes of sisterhood throughout the movie show a healthy relationship in the family that most modern films never have. Richard, although continuing to be strict, no longer attempts to control his children’s lives but still offers guidance and support no matter the issue. The development of the characters offers a look into a healthy family dynamic, which is something that should be shown more in media.

The film tells the story two successful tennis players with impressive acting and a strong plot line, although some could have been cut for a more cohesive narrative. I give this movie a 4 out of 5 shields.