‘Genius: MLK/X’ Limited Series Review – Harrison And Pierre Give Two Knockout Performances

It would be impossible to capture the gravitas or, aka, Genius, of the likes of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X. How can someone capture the human toll of carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire people on their backs but in such different ways? Instead of telling their story through grandiose cliches, the creators attempt to see these men of Genius: MLK/X through their eyes on a more intimate and personal level.

This is impressive, in a way. Creator Suzan-Lori Parks decided to individualize these civil rights leaders so they seem relatable and even peers – as if you are part of the process instead of just watching it from a distance. Parks, a Pulitzer Prize winner (2002), and the first African American to do so, brings these legendary figures to a sobering reality where things have not evolved as much as we think.

National Geographic’s Genius: MLK/X follows Martin Luther King, Jr. (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) and Malcolm X (Aaron Pierre) during the middle of the civil rights movement. The story alternates between each figure’s childhood and to the present day and then between each person. They were rivals. The aforementioned activist chose non-violence, and the latter had a more intellectually aggressive approach.

They have a fascinating chess match, trying to promote dialogue about their views, but with very different strategies. As the series progresses, we can see why, because of their vastly different upbringings. Helping them behind the scenes are their wives, Betty Shabazz (The Woman King’s Jayme Lawson) and Coretta Scott King (I May Destroy You’s Weruche Opia). They are marginalized by their “genius” husbands but in different ways. However, that never undercuts their importance.

It’s always funny when some stick their noses up at the miniseries format. One 90-minute film can do a better job of exploring these brilliant minds than one can in eight episodes, at almost an hour each. While that can also feel like a history lesson, Genius: MLK/X is so well-acted and allows civil rights history to come alive. Albeit in a way that seems more well-intentioned and even sugar-coated for mainstream audiences.

However, there are some beautiful things in the series. In particular, the performance of Kelvin Harrison, Jr.. The young actor has been a standout in recent years with films like Luce and Chevalier. He brings MLK to light as a humble everyman while still recognizing his shortcomings. It’s a marvel to watch this young man go from a stoic family man to delivering lines with the same eloquence and power as the man himself.

Then you have Pierre, who brings an extraordinary mix to his character. His turn can be smooth and charming while also being dignified and showing sober honesty. Which is in contrast to previous depictions of the influential figure and speaker. Again, Parks humanizes these men; the main reason is so we can see past the history books to see how ordinary men (of genius) can change history.

And, of course, Genius: MLK/X can also deal with what happens when you challenge the establishment. If anything, the miniseries attempts a character study with the civil rights movement as a backdrop under extraordinary circumstances. This may be presented as standard fare, but that can’t be farther from the truth.

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Genius: MLK/X is now available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu.