Still, there are moments when Cox’s singing and DaCosta’s mannerisms add up to an eerily accurate portrayal of Houston, and in certain scenes, viewers may feel as swept up as the enraptured fans onscreen.” Of its ending, “its finale feels abrupt, but the decision to focus just on Houston’s most meteorically successful years - where, for a little while, she probably was happy - makes Whitney a fairly flattering portrait that is only lightly a cautionary tale.” Keene also notes that while Cox’s covers “are sometimes gorgeously close to the mark, they don’t (and can’t) quite fully capture Houston’s naturally showstopping cadence. Bassett also makes the right choice to allow songs to play out fully, … but quick editing jumps and the occasional tour wardrobe montage also mange to keep the pace from languishing.” And Bassett, using sound instincts, also films them in several extremely intimate, lavishly sensual scenes.” Additionally, Bassett’s direction “also keeps the camera moving, swirling and active, except when it alights and lingers on DaCosta’s face.
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“The movie does not shy away from emotional portrayals of the couple’s drug abuse, codependency and personal tragedy, nor does it let either one off the hook when it comes to mistakes and bad decisions. The Hollywood Reporter’s Allison Keene praises DeCosta’s portrayal - “The makeup and wardrobe department did an exceptional job recreating Houston’s looks on DaCosta, who nails her mannerisms, particularly when it comes to a performance of “I Will Always Love You” - and her chemistry with Escapeta. See what top critics are saying about Whitney: Read More Whitney Houston’s Mom Blasts Lifetime Biopic: ‘Let Her Rest’