What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)

In the mesmerizing whirl of the spotlight, Nina Simone, the High Priestess of Soul, was a beacon of uninhibited musical expression, enchanting audiences, and garnering life-long admirers. Yet, beneath the vibrant melodies and impassioned performances in the tumultuous civil rights era of the 1960s lay a woman wrestling with the dichotomy of her artistic persona and her fervor for social change. 'What Happened, Miss Simone?' is a profound exploration of Simone's life, her luminous talent, and her devastating struggles, masterfully woven from hours of autobiographical tapes and revealing a brilliant, yet tormented artist. From her early beginnings as a classically trained pianist, Simone's journey unfurls, revealing a career ablaze with versatility and raw emotion. Yet, her path was not without its shadows. The film pulls back the curtain on her personal battles with racism, domestic violence, and political unrest. Simultaneously, it delves into her internal torment, facing depression and bipolar disorder, painting a rich and insightful portrait of a life filled with unparalleled talent and unimaginable hardship. At the pinnacle of her fame, Simone made a drastic choice, severing ties with her family, country, career, and fans to seek solace and solitude in Liberia. This pivotal event raises the intriguing question, 'how does royalty stomp around in the mud and still walk with grace?' 'What Happened, Miss Simone?' is a riveting journey that seeks to answer this, revealing the compelling, complex, and intensely human story of a woman who, despite the absurdities of her time, never lost her grace or her fire.

What Happened, Miss Simone? is a documentary movie featuring Nina Simone and directed by Liz Garbus.

What Happened, Miss Simone? is currently streaming on Netflix and Netflix basic with Ads.

It is also possible to buy What Happened, Miss Simone? on Amazon Video and Apple TV.