Lilly, the powerful biographical courtroom drama starring Patricia Clarkson, is making its streaming debut on Netflix this November 19, 2025. Based on the landmark case that changed American labor law, this film tells the true story of Lilly Ledbetter’s 10-year battle against Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for equal pay – a fight that ultimately led to the first bill President Barack Obama signed into law.
While critics remain divided on the film’s execution, audiences have embraced this inspirational story, with a 93% Rotten Tomatoes audience score proving that Ledbetter’s message resonates powerfully with everyday viewers.
Table of Contents
Lilly Movie Facts
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Netflix Release | November 19, 2025 |
| Lead Star | Patricia Clarkson |
| Director | Rachel Feldman |
| Screenplay | Rachel Feldman, Adam Prince |
| Based On | “The Life of Lilly Ledbetter: Grace and Grit” |
| Genre | Biographical Drama, Courtroom |
| Runtime | Feature Film |
| Audience Score | 93% Rotten Tomatoes, 7.3 IMDb |
The Story That Changed American Law
Imagine discovering after decades of dedicated work that you’ve been paid significantly less than your male colleagues for doing the exact same job. That’s exactly what happened to Lilly Ledbetter at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
The Discovery: After years of loyalty and hard work, Ledbetter learned through an anonymous note that her salary fell dramatically short of her male peers’ compensation – for identical work.
The Battle: Rather than accepting this injustice, Ledbetter took her employer to court in what became Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., a landmark case that exposed systemic pay discrimination.
The Legacy: Though the Supreme Court initially ruled against her on a technicality in 2007, her fight led to the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 – the first legislation President Obama signed, resetting the statute of limitations on pay discrimination claims.
Patricia Clarkson’s Powerful Performance
Oscar-nominated actress Patricia Clarkson (Pieces of April, Sharp Objects, Six Feet Under) leads the cast as Lilly Ledbetter, bringing gravitas and authenticity to this working-class hero’s journey.
Clarkson’s impressive career spans critically acclaimed performances in both film and prestige television, making her perfect for portraying Ledbetter’s determination, vulnerability, and unwavering conviction.
Supporting Cast:
- Thomas Sadoski
- John Benjamin Hickey
- Will Pullen
- Josh McDermitt
- Deirdre Lovejoy
- Bethany Anne Lind
Critical Reception vs. Audience Love
The Critics’ View: Reviews have been mixed, with The New York Times describing some performances as “Lifetime movie” quality and calling the film “disjointed and mawkish.” Critics appreciated the film’s important message but felt the execution could be heavy-handed.
The Audience Response: Regular viewers tell a different story. With a 93% Rotten Tomatoes audience score and 7.3 IMDb rating, audiences have embraced Lilly’s inspirational narrative despite its flaws.
This disconnect highlights an important truth: sometimes a story’s emotional power and social significance transcend technical execution. For viewers who’ve experienced workplace discrimination or fought for justice against powerful institutions, Ledbetter’s journey hits home in ways critics may not fully capture.
Why Lilly Matters in 2025
Still Relevant: Despite the 2009 Fair Pay Act, the gender wage gap persists. Women still earn approximately 82 cents for every dollar men earn, making Ledbetter’s story as timely as ever.
Inspiration for Action: Lilly demonstrates how one person’s courage can create systemic change, inspiring viewers facing their own workplace injustices.
Historical Education: Many younger viewers may not know about Ledbetter’s case or the Fair Pay Act, making this film valuable for understanding recent civil rights history.
From Theater to Streaming
After premiering in late 2024, receiving theatrical distribution through Blue Harbor Entertainment in summer 2025, and a subsequent VOD release, Lilly now finds its widest audience yet on Netflix. The streaming platform provides accessibility that theatrical runs couldn’t achieve, potentially introducing Ledbetter’s story to millions.
For more Netflix biographical drama recommendations and inspiring true story films, explore our entertainment coverage. Stream Lilly starting November 19 on Netflix.
Perfect For Fans Of
If you appreciated these films, Lilly deserves your watchlist:
- On the Basis of Sex – Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s fight for gender equality
- Erin Brockovich – Working-class woman takes on corporate giant
- North Country – Sexual harassment lawsuit based on true events
- Norma Rae – Factory worker organizes union for workers’ rights
The Bottom Line
Yes, Lilly may have narrative flaws and occasionally heavy-handed messaging. But sometimes the story being told matters more than perfect filmmaking. Lilly Ledbetter’s decade-long fight for equal pay deserves to be remembered, celebrated, and shared – especially with those still fighting similar battles today.
Patricia Clarkson’s committed performance and the film’s sincere approach to systemic injustice make this a worthwhile watch, particularly for audiences passionate about workers’ rights and gender equality.
FAQs
Is Lilly based on a completely true story?
Yes, Lilly is based on the real-life case of Lilly Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. The film adapts Ledbetter’s book “The Life of Lilly Ledbetter: Grace and Grit” and chronicles her actual 10-year legal battle after discovering she was paid significantly less than male colleagues. While some dramatic elements may be condensed or enhanced for storytelling, the core events – her discovery of pay discrimination, the lawsuit, the Supreme Court loss, and the eventual Fair Pay Act – are factual.
Why do critics and audiences have such different opinions about Lilly?
Critics often evaluate films based on technical execution, narrative structure, and cinematic craft, where Lilly admittedly has flaws including heavy-handed messaging and uneven pacing. Audiences, however, respond more to the emotional resonance and social significance of Ledbetter’s story. The 93% audience score versus mixed critical reviews reflects how inspirational true stories can deeply connect with viewers who relate to workplace discrimination experiences, even when the filmmaking isn’t technically perfect. Sometimes the message matters more than the medium.
