Shirley Ending Explained: What Happened In The Finale Of Netflix's Regina King Starrer?

Understand the ending of Netflix's biopic Shirley depicting Shirley Chisholm's historical political journey of being the first Black woman to run for the presidential elections in America.

Published on Mar 24, 2024  |  09:13 PM IST |  218K
Explore The Ending Of Shirley Chisholm’s Netflix Biopic, Shirley
Shirley (PC: IMDb)

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers about the ending of Shirley. 

The Netflix historical biopic Shirley delves into the remarkable journey of Shirley Chisholm, an iconic figure in American politics. The film, released on March 15, 2024, portrays Chisholm's groundbreaking campaign for President of the United States, highlighting her historic achievements and the challenges she faced as the first black American woman to pursue the nation's highest office.

What is Shirley about? 

Shirley Chisholm's legacy as a trailblazer in American politics is vividly captured in the film Shirley. From her groundbreaking tenure as the first black American woman elected to the U.S. Congress to her historic presidential bid, Chisholm's courage and resilience shine through. Portrayed by the talented Regina King, Chisholm's journey is depicted with authenticity and reverence, showcasing her unwavering commitment to equality and social justice.

Directed by John Ridley, the storyline of Shirley follows Chisholm's campaign for the presidency, culminating in the pivotal 1972 Democratic National Convention. As she navigates the challenges of a male-dominated political arena and confronts systemic barriers, Chisholm remains steadfast in her pursuit of progress and equality. The film portrays her as a visionary leader whose boldness and determination inspire generations to come.

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Regina King in Shirley (IMDb)

What is the ending of Shirley?

In the final moments of Shirley, the narrative reaches its climax at the 1972 Democratic National Convention. Despite Chisholm's valiant efforts and grassroots support, her presidential aspirations are thwarted by political maneuvering and betrayal. Candidate Walter Fauntroy's decision to shift his pledged delegates to George McGovern effectively ends Chisholm's bid for the Democratic nomination. By the end, even Chisholm's dear friend and political advisor Ron Dellums, went ahead and supported Chisholm's opponent, George McGovern, over her. 

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The film poignantly captures the disappointment and resilience of Chisholm as she faces the harsh realities of electoral politics. Chisholm's electoral setback at the convention symbolizes the systemic challenges and prejudices she encountered throughout her career. 

Regina King in Shirley (IMDb)

Despite her formidable achievements and widespread appeal, she was ultimately unable to overcome the entrenched barriers of race and gender in American politics, worsened by her once-closed betrayals. Following her presidential campaign, Shirley Chisholm continued to champion social justice and equality in Congress and served as the Secretary of the Democratic Caucus from 1977 to 1981. 

Shirley offers a compelling portrayal of Shirley Chisholm's indelible legacy and the challenges she faced as a pioneering figure in American politics. Through Regina King's powerful performance and John Ridley's poignant direction, the film pays tribute to Chisholm's courage, resilience, and enduring impact on the nation.

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FAQs

Is Shirley based on a true story?
Yes, Shirley is based on the real-life story of Shirley Chisholm.

What is Shirley on Netflix about?
It's about Shirley Chisholm's groundbreaking 1972 campaign to become the first Black congresswoman and her bid for the U.S. presidency.

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Vivek Kumar
Vivek Kumar
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Vivek Kumar is a young, enthusiastic writer with a natural talent for expressing his thoughts through writing. Currently

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