Satisfied is not just a documentary; it’s a journey into the pursuit of one’s deepest desires. Renée Elise Goldsberry, already an established actor who had met the love of her life, seemingly “had it all.” Yet, Goldsberry had an appetite for more, not just in her career, but in her personal life. Directed by Chris Bolan and Melissa Haizlip, the documentary offers a poignant look into the sacrifices that come with chasing your dreams.
Before Hamilton was the game-changing musical that changed the world, it was an experiment. After receiving a call from her agent about the project, Goldsberry was reluctant to audition. She explains in her own words her thought process behind the matter and what ultimately led to her auditioning. Through interviews and archival footage, we hear from Renée herself, her husband, Alexis Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ariana DeBose, Audra McDonald, and many others.
Goldsberry was very transparent about her life; the ups and downs, navigating the demands of fame, and the joys and difficulties of motherhood. Two things kept her anchored: the outpouring of love and support from her husband and their faith in God. Having met in the church, the couple held on to their faith dearly, in both times of celebration (like Hamilton) and times of lament and sadness (multiple miscarriages).
If you’ve never seen Hamilton before, the first half of the film is essentially a tutorial in how to make a musical and how the Broadway blockbuster was born. Personal footage from Goldsberry grants us a unique view into the camaraderie of the cast and the magic that happened behind the scenes. She famously played the role of Angelica Schuyler, sister to Eliza and Peggy, and better known as “The Schuyler Sisters”. They are the three eldest daughters of General Philip Schuyler, with Angelica and Eliza having more prominent roles. Renée features on such songs as “The Schuyler Sisters”, “Non-Stop”, “It’s Quiet Uptown”, and the film’s title, “Satisfied”. The most interesting track, “The Reynolds Pamphlet”, is not just a bop, but a shakedown. The discovery of a collection of documents reveals Hamilton’s detailed affair, which will effectively cost him the presidency. While his opponents celebrate his misstep, Angelica confronts him about his infidelity. He mistakes her presence as support, but she quips, “I’m not here for you,” to a collective “Oooo” from the cast.
The film also provides space for Goldsberry to detail her withdrawal from one of the most influential musicals of the 21st Century. She ultimately left Hamilton to be with her family, prioritizing her mental health in the long run. We’re also introduced to the teacher who heavily influenced her desire for acting, Dr. Charles Geroux. Recalling memories from their time at the Cranbrook School demonstrates the deep bond they share. Geroux sadly passed away in 2023.
If you weren’t a fan of Goldsberry before, Satisfied will have you falling in love before you know it. The film surpassed my expectations with its authenticity and transparency. It’s a compliment to the human spirit while also showing the importance of faith and community.
Satisfied gets a 9.5 out of 10. Being a mom, wife, and Broadway superstar is a tall order to fill. Goldsberry truly goes the distance and bets on herself: her talent, family, and everything God outlined in front of her until she’s finally “satisfied”.
Satisfied will premiere in theatres on Friday, Sept. 30.
-Jon Jones
Photos: Courtesy of Aura Entertainment
Genre: Documentary
Rating: Unrated
Runtime: 1 hr 24 mins
Trailer: Watch
U.S. Release Date: September 30, 2025
I can’t wait to see this.