'Shirley' Ending Explained: Ron Dellums' betrayal costs Shirley Chisholm presidential win
Contains spoilers for 'Shirley' on Netflix
WASHINGTON, D.C., CALIFORNIA: Netflix has returned with another biographical addition to their streaming repertoire, 'Shirley.'
The film, written and directed by John Ridley, follows the struggle of Shirley Chisholm (Regina King), the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress.
The film delves into Shirley's struggle as she decides to run for president in 1972, a time when racism reached its peak in American society.
Shirley Chisholm wins the backing of 250 delegates by delivering a passionate speech
Just 28 days before the elections, Shirley finds herself approached by Senator Humphrey and members of the Muskie Campaign.
They extend an offer for her to work with them, aiming to thwart George McGovern's advancement in the race.
The strategy was straightforward: McGovern held 762 committed delegate votes but needed a total of 1500 to secure the nomination
They proposed an offer to defer their black delegates to Shirley, allowing her to prevent McGovern from amassing 1500 delegates.
Shirley wastes no time in embracing the proposal. In the following scene, she gains more support from Black delegates by delivering a passionate speech, resulting in her having 250 pledged delegates.
This gives her an advantage, prompting Shirley to initiate discussions with McGovern's representatives to negotiate her delegate support. However, first, she demands to be informed about their plans for cabinet positions.
Shirley Chisholm faces setback as longtime confidant Ron Dellums backs McGovern
The tide is turning decisively in Shirley's favor, as she continues to gain significant support, potentially jeopardizing McGovern's victory.
However, things take a dramatic turn when Shirley's longtime confidant Ron Dellums (Dorian Missick) crosses sides and reveals his support for McGovern on television by transferring his committed delegates to him.
Shirley, who is saddened by the betrayal, assures her team that she understands Ron's decision and does not blame him.
Finally, Shirley decides to allocate her delegates to Chairman O'Brian, expressing that her ultimate aim was to remind the American people that politics belongs to them.
'Shirley' is now streaming on Netflix.