Harriet

Harriet

Year: 2019

Runtime: 125 min

Language: English

Director: Kasi Lemmons

ActionBiographyDramaHistory

Fueled by courage and an unwavering resolve, Harriet Tubman bravely escapes slavery and dedicates her life to liberating others. She journeys through dangerous terrain, risking her own freedom to guide countless enslaved people to safety along the Underground Railroad, ultimately becoming a symbol of hope and a legendary figure in American history.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Harriet (2019) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Harriet (2019), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the 1840s, in the slave state of Maryland, we meet Araminta “Minty” Ross (Cynthia Erivo), who is bound in servitude on the Brodess farm, despite being recently married to a freedman, John Tubman (Zackary Momoh). Minty’s family is fragmented; while she remains enslaved along with her mother, Harriet “Rit” Ross (Vanessa Bell Calloway) and sister, two of her siblings have already been sold off to another owner down South. Minty’s father, who has the status of a freedman, attempts to negotiate her freedom with Mr. Brodess, as it was promised that Minty’s mother and her family would be freed when she turned 45, a commitment made by Brodess’s great-grandfather. However, despite Minty’s mother being 57, Brodess dismisses the plea, asserting they are meant to remain in bondage and even destroys a letter that John had procured from a lawyer.

The situation turns dire when Gideon (Joe Alwyn), Brodess’s son, witnesses Minty’s fervent prayers for divine intervention against her oppressor, taunting her about the lack of care God has for the prayers of slaves. Shortly after, Brodess passes away, causing Gideon to lash out by planning to sell Minty in punishment. Plagued by debilitating visions after suffering a head injury as a child, Minty envisions her escape to freedom, and she resolves to flee.

Determined, Minty instructs John to stay behind to ensure his own safety and promises to reunite later. As she embarks on her journey, Gideon chases her to a riverbank, promising not to sell her if she returns; yet, with a defiant spirit, she leaps into the water, declaring she would rather perish than live in chains. Believed to have drowned, Minty manages to reach Philadelphia through the Underground Railroad, aided by Quakers and abolitionists. In Philadelphia, she encounters Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monáe), a stylish boarding-house owner and the daughter of a freed slave, and William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.), an influential abolitionist who inspires her to adopt a new name—she chooses Harriet, in homage to her mother.

Despite the pleas of Marie and William to remain in safety, Harriet longingly decides to return to rescue John. Upon her arrival at his homestead, she is heartbroken to learn that John has moved on, marrying and expecting a child with another woman, believing her to be dead. Undeterred, Harriet embarks on a mission to liberate her family but faces resistance when her sister hesitates to leave her children behind. Driven by her unwavering spirit, Harriet transforms into a conductor on the Underground Railroad, successfully guiding many slaves to freedom and earning the nickname “Moses” as the legend of her heroic endeavors begins to spread.

While she secures freedom for numerous family and friends, her own sister remains a prisoner of the Brodess household. William, fearing for her safety, urges her not to undertake the perilous rescue. The stakes escalate with the passing of the Fugitive Slave Act, putting escaping slaves at risk of capture even in free territories. Gideon becomes furious upon discovering Harriet’s identity as Moses, with fellow slave owners demanding recompense for the losses incurred from her rescues. His pursuit of her leads him to Philadelphia, accompanied by the relentless slave hunter, Bigger Long (Omar J. Dorsey), who tragically takes Marie’s life during the chase. In a bid for freedom, Harriet escapes north to Canada.

In Canada, Harriet remains unyielding, insisting that the mission of the Underground Railroad must endure. She carries on with her remarkable work, leading many more runaway slaves to safety, although heartbreaking losses occur along the way, including the death of her sister before she can be rescued. Eventually, the Brodess estate collapses into ruin as Mrs. Brodess (Jennifer Nettles) pledges to capture Harriet, using her sister’s children as lures. However, in a dramatic turn, Harriet’s allies overpower Gideon’s family and reclaim the last of the Brodess slaves.

In a tense climax, Bigger Long meets his end while Harriet confronts Gideon, choosing to let him live as she shares with him her vision of his cause being vanquished by war.

In a poignant epilogue, it is revealed that Harriet freed over 70 slaves through the Underground Railroad and went on to serve as a Union spy during the Civil War, leading a contingent of 150 colored soldiers who orchestrated the liberation of more than 750 enslaved individuals.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:32

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Harriet?

Still wondering what the ending of Harriet (2019) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

The ending of “Harriet” reveals how Harriet Tubman, having endured immense suffering and hardship, not only escapes slavery but also takes on the dangerous role of conductor on the Underground Railroad, risking everything to free hundreds of others. After her daring escape across the river to Philadelphia, she reconnects with her roots and transforms into “Moses,” a symbol of hope and liberation for enslaved Black people. Her visions and faith serve as her guides, helping her to navigate the perilous paths back to her family and others still trapped in slavery. Despite many threats from her enemies—including Gideon Brodess, who tries to recapture her—Harriet’s unwavering determination and cunning enable her to outsmart her pursuers. In the climax, she confronts Gideon in a tense showdown, ultimately injuring him but choosing mercy over vengeance, symbolizing her moral strength and commitment to freedom. Her bold actions lead to significant victories, freeing her family and many others, and establishing her as a legendary figure who fought tirelessly for justice. The film ends with Harriet’s enduring legacy of resilience and courage, inspiring viewers to believe in their own power to effect change, emphasizing that her spirit and fight for liberty continue to resonate today.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44

Unlock the Full Story of Harriet

Don't stop at just watching — explore Harriet in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Harriet is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Harriet Timeline

Track the full timeline of Harriet with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Harriet Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harriet

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Harriet. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harriet

Harriet Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Harriet? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Harriet Ending Explained

More About Harriet

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Harriet: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Harriet

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