The challenge of career and family is something that is familiar to many. It seems that women are often seen as the focal point of this challenge, because (in a masculine-centric world) they are supposed to focus on family, even if it means giving up a career. There are career/family dynamics that face men, too, but they don’t demand men give up anything. Satisfied, directed by Chris Bolan and Melissa Haizlip, is a very personal look at one woman’s struggle to balance the two.
Renée Elise Goldsberry tells us that growing up she had two big dreams, to be a mother and to be a singer and actress. We first get a glimpse into the first role as she and her husband adopt a daughter from Ethiopia. This is their second child. As the film progresses, we will learn of the difficulties she and her husband had conceiving prior to the birth of their son. To Renée, her family is a miracle.
Just as they are settling in as a family, she is invited (although she is reluctant at first) to take part in the workshop in which Lin-Manuel Miranda is developing Hamilton. Renée will go on to be one of the stars of the play as Angleica Schuyler. She is the only mother in the cast. The work/family balance in such a job is very challenging. Her days are long, her schedule filled. Most of the film is an observation of how she tries to make it all work, and a celebration in what she is able to do.
For fans of Hamilton, this film gives a chance to remember the extraordinary event that it was. Renée is part of the development at a very early stage, and moves along to off-Broadway and to Broadway. We see just how much work goes into the staging of such a play.
While Renée may have struggles in trying to make room in her life for her family, this is really a turbo-charged version of the issue that many men and women (although society often sees it mostly about women) try to navigate in their personal and professional lives.
In the film, we see that her husband (who is an attorney and has his own high pressure job) is very supportive of Renée as she follows this tremendous professional opportunity. I think the film would have been strengthened a bit by showing how he also had to try to find the balance and how the family managed to provide the care that their children needed through this time.
Satisfied will be in theaters for three days, September 30-October 2, through Fathom Entertainment.
Photos courtesy of AURA Entertainment.
