The Netflix release of the Whitney Houston biopic, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, has sparked emotional reactions from fans, who took to social media to express their feelings and surprise at the film's revelations. Released in theaters in 2022 and starring British actress Naomi Ackie as Houston, the movie quickly became the most-watched feature film in the United States.
Viewers shared their impressions on Twitter over the weekend, expressing surprise that the biopic, approved by Houston's estate, delved into her romantic relationship with American author Robyn Crawford and Jermaine Jackson. Many were also moved by the film's honest portrayal of Houston's struggles with addiction, lawsuits, and difficult family dynamics.
Though the $45 million movie initially garnered only 44% positive reviews from critics on Rotten Tomatoes and took in £60 million at the box office, it has since become a hit, receiving a 92% audience score. Fans have praised the film for its depiction of Houston's rise to stardom, her battle with addiction, and her personal relationships.
Houston passed away in February 2012, found unconscious in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office later attributed her death to drowning, heart disease, and cocaine use, and toxicology reports revealed the presence of multiple drugs in her system.
Four films have since attempted to do justice to Houston's complex story, with the 2022 version gaining the endorsement of her estate while not avoiding the singer's challenging times. Writer Anthony McCarten stated, "I'm not doing this to flatter anybody. The public can smell a rat if it's a puff piece."
Over the past few days, fans have shared emotional reactions on social media. Twitter user Shoshana admitted to "getting teary-eyed" just 20 minutes into the film, while Melvin J. Cox praised the movie as "so damn good" and asked, "why I wanna cry already?"
The biopic's coverage of Houston's darker moments, including her romantic relationship with friend Robyn Crawford, has also resonated with viewers. Some were surprised by the revelation of her relationship with Crawford, while others praised the film for its portrayal of Houston. User mmhkaee called the movie "done beautifully," while user catboyzee commended Naomi Ackie for her "outstanding job" as Whitney Houston.