The true story of Judy Garland's sold-out London concert tour in 1968.

BIOPIC/DRAMA

Judy (2019)

Directed by Rupert Goold

Written by Tom Edge

Starring ​Renée Zellweger, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock,
Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon, Darci Shaw, Richard Cordery

Based on the stage play End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter

Oscar Wins - Best Actress (Renée Zellweger)

Oscar Nominations - Best Makeup

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Connor Eyzaguirre

October 12, 2019

8/10

Judy Garland is one of Hollywood's most tragic figures. Most people remember her as wide-eyed, innocent Dorothy Gale from The Wizard of Oz, and she certainly was that, but what they don't know is everything that was taken away from her by the studios. Her childhood, her independence, her children, and ultimately her life due to an overdose of barbiturates. Nobody ever truly cared about her as a person, and she was tragically alone forever, despite her five marriages and three children. Judy tells her story, and shows the world just how horribly she was treated. 

Renée Zellweger delivers a career-defining performance as Judy Garland near the end of her life, forced into a concert tour in London because it's her only option for money. Zellweger disappears into the role and wows with her stellar performance. I've no doubt she will emerge as the front runner for Best Actress at next year's Oscars. The supporting cast is great as well, but this is absolutely Zellweger's film. We also get to see a young Judy Garland (played by Darci Shaw) being manipulated by MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer (Richard Cordery) into believing she was worthless without him and the studio. These scenes are difficult to watch, as they are simply heartbreaking.

Judy is a phenomenal biopic of a talented actress and singer who was forgotten by Hollywood and cast aside. Judy Garland was mentally and physically wrecked by everyone in her life who believed they could use her. The ending of the film brought tears to my eyes as Judy remembers just how many people she has influenced with her films and songs. Never forget this tragic figure of classic Hollywood. She deserved better.