Harriet tells the true story of abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman, but how much did the film get right about this remarkable figure? Directed and co-written by Kasi Lemmons (with fellow co-writer Gregory Allen Howard), Harriet stars Cynthia Erivo in the titular role, headlining a cast that also includes Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr., Janelle Mone, Joe Alwyn, and Clarke Peters. This crew of exceptional talent came together to bring Tubman's extraordinary life and deeds to the screen. Still, like all biopics, creative liberties were necessary to fill in the cracks of the true story.

The story of Araminta Ross, later called Harriet Tubman, is one that took far too long to be adapted to the screen. However, the time it took to begin filming Harriet was entirely worth it, as the film did beautiful justice to the historical figure and her works to free slaves leading up...