Following up the Oscar-nominated What Happened, Miss Simone? last year, the story of Nina Simone will get a narrative version this year, with the long-delayed biopic Nina finally arriving. Embroiled in controversy for the last few years, it’ll now be getting small theatrical run and VOD release later next month, and today brings the first trailer. Directed by Cynthia Mort and starring Zoe Saldana and David Oyelowo, it follows a period in which the artist was struggling with depression and addiction, but stages a comeback. Check out the trailer below, in between the synopsis and the poster.
She was one of the century’s most extraordinary talents, a 15-time Grammy nominee and Grammy Hall of Fame Recipient; her mesmerizing songs and passionate politics combined to make her the unforgettable Nina Simone (Zoe Saldana). But fame and fortune came with a price, and her later years were riddled with depression, alcohol abuse and isolation. Rediscovering the meaning of her life and work took courage, strength and one true friend: Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo), the man who started out as her assistant and eventually became her loyal manager. With Clifton’s encouragement, the “high priestess of soul” began a courageous journey back to her music … and, eventually, herself.
Nina hits theaters and VOD on April 22nd, 2016.