The United States vs. Billie Holiday, starring Andra Day in a career-defining performance, is available to stream exclusively on Hulu. This biographical drama offers a powerful, albeit fictionalized, portrayal of the legendary jazz singer’s battle with the U.S. government.
Streaming The United States vs. Billie Holiday
The primary method to watch The United States vs. Billie Holiday is through Hulu. The film was a Hulu original and remains exclusively available on their streaming platform. This means that you won’t find it on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+.
Steps to Watch on Hulu
- Subscribe to Hulu: If you don’t already have a Hulu subscription, you’ll need to sign up. Hulu offers various plans, including ad-supported, ad-free, and bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+. Choose the plan that best suits your needs and budget.
- Create an Account: Follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. You’ll need to provide an email address, password, and billing information.
- Search for the Movie: Once you’re logged in, use the search bar at the top of the screen to search for “The United States vs. Billie Holiday.”
- Start Watching: Click on the movie thumbnail, and then click the “Play” button. Enjoy!
The Significance of The United States vs. Billie Holiday
Beyond simply providing viewing instructions, it’s important to understand the context and impact of this film. The United States vs. Billie Holiday sheds light on a crucial period in American history, showcasing the government’s deliberate targeting of Holiday in an attempt to suppress the burgeoning civil rights movement. Her performance of “Strange Fruit,” a powerful anti-lynching protest song, became a focal point of the government’s efforts to silence her.
The film is a fictionalized account, meaning it takes liberties with historical facts for dramatic effect. While it captures the essence of Holiday’s struggles, it’s essential to supplement your viewing with additional research to gain a more comprehensive understanding of her life and the events surrounding her.
Andra Day’s Performance
Andra Day’s portrayal of Billie Holiday garnered widespread acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her performance is raw, emotional, and deeply moving, capturing both the vulnerability and strength of this iconic artist. Day not only embodies Holiday’s physical presence but also her soulful spirit.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further enhance your understanding of how to watch The United States vs. Billie Holiday and the film itself:
Question 1: Is The United States vs. Billie Holiday available to rent or buy digitally?
No, as a Hulu original, The United States vs. Billie Holiday is not available to rent or buy digitally on platforms like iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Your only option for legally watching the film is through a Hulu subscription.
Question 2: Will The United States vs. Billie Holiday ever be released on DVD or Blu-ray?
As of the current date, there are no confirmed plans for a DVD or Blu-ray release of The United States vs. Billie Holiday. Hulu, like many streaming services, often keeps its original content exclusive to its platform.
Question 3: Is it possible to watch The United States vs. Billie Holiday for free?
Legally, no. There is no way to watch The United States vs. Billie Holiday for free without a Hulu subscription. While free trials for Hulu occasionally become available, they are not always offered.
Question 4: What Hulu subscription plan do I need to watch the movie?
Any Hulu subscription plan, including the ad-supported and ad-free versions, will grant you access to The United States vs. Billie Holiday. The plan you choose simply depends on whether you prefer to watch with or without commercials.
Question 5: Is The United States vs. Billie Holiday suitable for children?
The United States vs. Billie Holiday is rated R for drug use, strong language, some sexual content, and brief nudity. It’s not suitable for children due to its mature themes and content. Parental discretion is strongly advised.
Question 6: What other movies are similar to The United States vs. Billie Holiday that I might enjoy?
If you enjoyed The United States vs. Billie Holiday, you might also appreciate films such as Lady Sings the Blues, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Respect (about Aretha Franklin), and Malcolm X. These films explore themes of music, racism, and the struggles faced by Black artists in America.
Question 7: Who directed The United States vs. Billie Holiday?
The film was directed by Lee Daniels, known for his work on films such as Precious and The Butler. His directorial style is often characterized by its raw emotion and unflinching portrayal of difficult subjects.
Question 8: How historically accurate is The United States vs. Billie Holiday?
While inspired by true events, The United States vs. Billie Holiday takes significant creative liberties. It’s important to remember that it’s a dramatic interpretation and not a strictly factual account. Researching Billie Holiday’s life through biographies and documentaries will provide a more nuanced understanding of the historical context.
Question 9: What songs are featured in The United States vs. Billie Holiday?
The film features many of Billie Holiday’s iconic songs, including “Strange Fruit,” “All of Me,” “God Bless the Child,” and “Them There Eyes.” Andra Day performs these songs herself, further adding to the authenticity of her portrayal.
Question 10: Are there any other actresses who have played Billie Holiday on screen?
Yes, Diana Ross famously portrayed Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues. Each actress brings their own unique interpretation to the role.
Question 11: What is the significance of the song “Strange Fruit”?
“Strange Fruit” is a powerful protest song against the lynching of Black Americans. Its stark and graphic lyrics made it a controversial and impactful statement during a time of widespread racial injustice. Billie Holiday’s performance of the song made her a target of the U.S. government.
Question 12: Is The United States vs. Billie Holiday based on a book?
The film is loosely based on the book Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari. However, it’s important to note that the film focuses primarily on Billie Holiday’s experiences and her conflict with the government, whereas the book explores the broader history of the war on drugs.
By understanding these nuances, you can fully appreciate The United States vs. Billie Holiday and its place within the context of American history and culture. Enjoy the film!