Black Nativity is a 2013 musical drama film produced by Searchlight Pictures. The movie is based on the play written by Langston Hughes, which tells the story of a young boy named Langston, who is sent to stay with his grandparents during the holiday season. Langston's mother, Naima, is struggling to make ends meet, and she can't afford to keep him in their Baltimore home.
The movie's plot follows Langston as he travels to New York City to spend the holidays with his grandparents, Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs. Reverend Cornell has his own troubles, including the pending foreclosure of his church. With the help of a kind and compassionate woman named Angel, Langston begins to uncover the story of his family's past and the meaning behind the celebrated Black Nativity.
The film's production was impressive, with great performances by Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, and Angela Bassett. The music, which was produced by Raphael Saadiq, added another layer of depth to the film's emotional appeal, with songs that ranged from gospel to soul to R&B.
Overall, Black Nativity is a touching and heartwarming story that explores themes of family, faith, and redemption. The film is an excellent example of how musicals can convey complex emotions through catchy tunes and stirring performances. Searchlight Pictures did an excellent job bringing this story to life, and the movie will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.