Nina

Nina is a 2016 American biographical film written and directed by Cynthia Mort. The film focuses on American musician and civil rights activist Nina Simone, portrayed by Zoe Saldaña. The film also stars David Oyelowo, Ella Thomas, and Mike Epps. It has a limited release beginning April 22, 2016, and through video on demand by RLJ Entertainment. The film received strong criticism, including the casting of Saldaña in the lead, and Simone's family refused to endorse it. Saldaña later said she regretted accepting the lead role. Plot In 1988 Nina Simone is financially unsound, mentally unstable, and an alcoholic. Her 1960s heyday is far behind her. After threatening a lawyer with a gun, she is forcibly committed to a Los Angeles psychiatric hospital for twenty-four hours. While in the hospital, Nina hires orderly Clifton Henderson (David Oyelowo) as an assistant. He accompanies her to her home in Bouc-Bel-Air, France. Nina drinks heavily and refuses to take needed medication. She proves to be difficult and confrontational. She verbally abuses Clifton, assaults a patron at a nightclub performance and makes Clifton get her random men with whom she has one-night stands. Her behavior drives Clifton back home to America. Nina is told by her doctor that the results of a biopsy are serious and she needs treatment for cancer.