Directed by Lee Daniels and written by Suzan-Lori Parks, The United States vs. Billie Holiday focuses on the final decade of the jazz singer’s life — specifically, 1947 to 1959. Based on a chapter of Johan Hari’s 2015 book, Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, the film focuses on Holiday’s battle with addiction, abuse, and harassment from the federal government. At the center of it all is a fierce performance from Andra Day, who breathes life into the late legend for her film debut.

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