The story follows Cecil Gaines (played by Forest Whitaker), an African American who grows up in the 1920s on a cotton plantation in the South. After witnessing his father’s brutal murder by a white estate owner, Cecil leaves the plantation and eventually finds work as a butler in a hotel. His exceptional service catches the eye of White House staff, leading to his hiring as a butler in the White House.
As Cecil serves under multiple presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower (Robin Williams), John F. Kennedy (James Marsden), and Lyndon B. Johnson (Liev Schreiber), he witnesses and becomes involved in pivotal moments in American history, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. Meanwhile, his son Louis (played by David Oyelowo) becomes an activist and participates in the Civil Rights Movement.
In the climax, Cecil grapples with his conflicting loyalties to the White House and his son’s involvement in the fight for civil rights. The resolution involves a reflection on Cecil’s legacy, the changing political landscape, and the impact of his work on future generations.
“The Butler” received mixed reviews from critics, with praise for Forest Whitaker’s performance and criticism for its historical inaccuracies and melodramatic moments. Despite the mixed critical reception, the film found success at the box office and sparked conversations about race, history, and the role of African Americans in the White House.