'The United States vs Billie Holiday' set for release

The United States vs. Billie Holiday is due to be released this week.

Based on the book Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs by Johann Hari, the biographical drama tells the tragic story of Billie Holiday and specifically her court case for narcotics possession in 1947, at a time she was hospitalised with severe heart and liver problems.

Billie Holiday is one of the most influential singers of the 20th-century, tragically passing away at the age of 44 due to complications linked to substance abuse.

Filming of the movie began in 2019 and is directed by Empire and Precious director Lee Daniels with Oscar-nominated Andra Day playing the title role. The film also stars Trevante Rhodes, Natasha Lyonne, Garrett Hedlund, with the Pulitzer-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks writing the film's script.

Discussing the film Lee Daniels has said “Whether you are new to the story and legacy of Billie Holiday or know every note she ever sang, I do hope our celebration of this complex woman does justice to a great musical legend and civil rights activist whose artistry resonates as well today, as it did 80 years ago".

The United States vs. Billie Holiday trailer:

You can watch the trailer for The United States vs. Billie Holiday below.

The United States vs. Billie Holiday release date:

The United States vs. Billie Holiday is due to come out on Hulu (in the US) on February 26 2021, with it being released on 27 February on Sky Cinema.

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