Netflix has added another historical drama to its lineup with the release of "Messagères de guerre" ("The 6888th Battalion Story"), which premiered on December 20, 2024. Directed by Tyler Perry, the film follows the little-known yet impactful story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, comprised entirely of African American women who played a pivotal role during World War II.
Set against the backdrop of the war, the film showcases how military leaders recognized the dire need for effective mail distribution, which dramatically affected troop morale. The battalion was tasked with the seemingly insurmountable job of handling correspondence amid the challenges of racism and sexism from within their own army.
"Messagères de guerre" recounts the true story of Major Charity Adams Earley, who spearheaded the battalion of 855 women determined to deliver mail to soldiers across the front. The battalion's existence can be traced back to civil rights advocate Mary McLeod Bethune, who lobbied Eleanor Roosevelt to allow African American women to enlist, enabling them to contribute to the war effort.
Arriving in Europe by February 1945, the battalion was met with miles of letters waiting to be sorted – approximately 17 million letters, to be exact. Against the odds, these women managed to catch up on six months’ worth of backlog within just three months. Their motto, "No Mail, Low Morale," underscored the mission’s importance, as the lack of communication stifled the soldiers' spirits.
Despite their groundbreaking contributions, the battalion remained underappreciated for decades. It took until February 25, 2009, for their efforts to be recognized with induction at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. Under President Barack Obama, the battalion finally received the honor it deserved, followed by additional tributes from President Joe Biden.
Perry’s film not only serves to celebrate the legacy of these women but also connects to broader historical narratives, akin to the recognition of the African American mathematicians depicted in the 2016 film "Hidden Figures," who played pivotal roles at NASA. Perry himself stated, "I was embarrassed to find out it was a true story I didn’t know about. Knowing they not only served during the war, but also served overseas and fought for our country, I thought it was a story I had to tell.”
"Messagères de guerre" also features prominent actresses such as Kerry Washington, who portrays Major Adams, and Oprah Winfrey, playing Mary McLeod Bethune, alongside Susan Sarandon as Eleanor Roosevelt and Dean Norris portraying President Franklin Roosevelt. The film aims to spotlight these unsung heroes and restore their narrative within the larger framework of American military history.
This film stands out for its commitment to storytelling about marginalized figures in history. By centering the experiences of the 6888th Battalion, Perry's work seeks to rectify historical oversights and highlight the significant sacrifices made by these women. The film is described as more of a biopic than a war drama, aiming to educate audiences rather than serve as mere entertainment.
Film critiques have noted the film's somewhat classic storytelling approach, making it feel academically oriented rather than uniquely cinematic. Nonetheless, it is deemed successful at conveying the hardships these women faced – battling not only enemy forces abroad but also prejudice back home.
Among the cast are additional talents like Sarah Jeffery, Ebony Obsidian, and Milauna Jackson, who embody the resilience and dedication of the battalion. The film’s production undoubtedly carries forward Tyler Perry's long-standing dedication to giving voice to Black women on screen.
While "Messagères de guerre" may not be branded as one of the top war movies ever made, its ambition to honor the 6888th Battalion's legacy is undeniably commendable. The film, available exclusively on Netflix, serves as a much-needed reminder of the contributions of Black women during World War II and their long-overdue acknowledgment.
