Amazing Grace tells the true story of William Wilberforce, the British parliamentarian who led the decades-long fight to abolish the slave trade.

William Wilberforce was first elected to the House of Commons at the age of 21 and dedicated the rest of his life to leading the fight to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. Though he was chronically ill and his anti-slave trade bills were repeatedly rejected by Parliament, his courage and passion to abolish injustice led him to be referred to as the “conscience of Parliament.” He collected evidence of the crimes of the slave trade, gathered 390,000 signatures, and relentlessly crafted anti-slave trade bills.

After almost 20 years of leading the British abolitionist movement, Wilberforce wept tears of victory when the slave trade throughout the British Empire was finally abolished in 1807. His good works also included prison reform, fair care for prisoners of war, improving hospitals and the lot of the poor, the prevention of cruelty to animals, and reforms in India and around the world.

Giving moral force to Wilberforce’s political campaign was this former slave. Born in what is now Nigeria, Olaudah Equiano was kidnapped and enslaved as a child, but eventually traded and saved enough to buy his own freedom as a man. His autobiography became a key text in the abolitionists’ cause.

Equiano and Wilberforce worked together as allies in the late 18th-century British abolitionist movement by combining grassroots activism with parliamentary action. Equiano provided firsthand accounts of enslavement to fuel the campaign, while Wilberforce acted as the leading voice in Parliament, using Equiano’s evidence to argue for abolition.

Barbara Ann Spooner met William Wilberforce on April 15, 1797. Theirs was a whirlwind courtship; they were married on May 30, 1797. Her influence on his life was quiet but meaningful — she helped him through his many struggles with illness and fatigue, creating a stable, caring home that allowed him to continue his efforts.

Her support was especially important during the long, stressful parliamentary battles. Like Wilberforce, Barbara was deeply religious. Their shared faith strengthened Wilberforce’s moral resolve, which was central to his abolitionist work. Together, they raised several children.

Hannah More is considered one of the most important female abolitionists of her time. She was also very involved in the education of poor children in Great Britain and in other causes. She encouraged Wilberforce to write about his religious conversion, and also encouraged his involvement in the abolitionist movement.

In the film, Wilberforce’s involvement begins with a surprise visit from More, the former slave Olaudah Equiano, Thomas Clarkson, and a few Quakers. More and her fellow guests urge Wilberforce to lead their efforts to abolish slavery.