SATISFIED documentary review

Getting selected as a key cast member of the original production of the musical “Hamilton” would be hitting the jackpot for any actor, but for Renée Elise Goldsberry the opportunity ushered in a roller coaster of issues and emotions. These contradictions are at the center of the new documentary movie, “Satisfied.” One might interpret the movie’s title as Goldsberry either being satisfied with her seemingly charmed life and theatrical success, or that she’s striving to get to a point of satisfaction while navigating through her career and life path. The actuality of its meaning is somewhere in between. The film has the feel of, as Goldsberry describes her rare social media videos, journaling on camera or a memoir. It’s not a bio-pic, although we are given some perspective of her childhood. It’s an intimate glimpse into a profound moment in time for the Tony Award-winning actress.

“Here are some of my battles, lost and won,” Goldsberry reflects. With that she ushers the audience into her life at a pivotal crossroad.

“Satisfied” opens with the star’s admission that since childhood she always had two dreams: “To be a mother and to have a successful film and theater career.” Later she acknowledges that maybe it was naive of her to think she could obtain both easily. Not long after she gave birth to her son, Benjamin, she and her husband, Alexis Johnson tried for a second child. It was something they very much wanted for each other, and for Benjamin. After years of trying with no success they decided to adopt a child, and even that process was long and exasperating. But in the winter of 2014, before “Hamilton” the musical was known about and just before its Public Theater acquisition, the couple met Hagaria Alexis Johnson who they adopted from Ethiopia. All of them were ecstatic about the addition to their family, and Goldsberry was content to lighten her work load to focus on being a mother of two, with all its adjustments. But the acting gods had other plans.

Not long after introducing their baby girl her new world, Goldsberry received a call to audition for a workshop of a new show by Lin Manuel Miranda. She initially turned down the opportunity- several times- because she believed to take time away from her family was not worth it for a workshop, especially given the slim odds of being selected to go with it for the actual production. Between much prodding from her manager and hearing the play’s demo tape, Goldsberry realized this was something special, an opportunity of a lifetime. With her husband’s support, she dove into the “Hamilton” workshop as the eldest Skylar sister. Not only did she go on to be picked for the Public Theater’s production of the show, but Miranda would also include Goldsberry to reprise the role on Broadway. All of which was a great honor, a lot of work while also big fun. It would eventually lead her to a Tony Award, and other subsequent big life changes and decisions. Along the way though, “Hamilton” proved to be all consuming, and at that time, she was the only mother in the cast. She credits her husband with wholly supporting her decision and picking up the slack at home with their children, but she was conflicted. On one hand she was undeniably and understandably thrilled with this monumental career opportunity, but on the other hand she was experiencing regret and depression over being what she felt was an absentee mother.

It is this conflict that drives the story of “Satisfied.” The viewers’ the story’s real-life heroine battling exhaustion and expectations as she navigates motherhood and her groundbreaking role in one of the most successful (if not the most) productions in the history of Broadway. Throughout we are given rare behind-the-scenes access to the show’s process and progress, along with insights from cast members, including Miranda.

When not getting snippets of the musical, and although the main character, so to speak, is projecting anxiety, there is a welcome quietness to the documentary, with its first-person contemplative accounts. It is small and intimate, yet not boring. In today’s movie landscape mostly littered with noisy or intense offerings vying for attention on numerous streaming platforms, documentaries are definitely getting the short end of the stick. Even at that, most have to be political or social issues themed to be noticed, or get made. “Satisfied” is a welcome departure, both life affirming and inspiring- we can make those big life decisions and be better off on the other side of personal conflict. I’m going to say it, “Satisfied” is a satisfying watch.

Directed by: Chris Bolan, Melissa Haizlip
Stars: Renée Elise Goldsberry, Alexis Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Brielle Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Lin-Manuel Miranda
Country: United States
Language: English
Production company: Stick-Figure Productions, Amblin Documentaries
MPAA rating: ?
Runtime: 1h 24m