Monday Movie Review: Recent Movies by Black Filmmakers You Can Watch at Home
I was planning on starting my Pirates of the Caribbean movie rewatch post series this week, but I think today’s post can be better spent sharing some recent films by Black filmmakers. I’ve seen most of these, but I added a couple to my watch list that I will try to review in the coming weeks. I have always held the position that the easiest thing I can do as an ally is be a consumer of art created by people of color and I really try my hardest to put my money where my mouth is. Now I am working hard to learn more and do more, but I will always continue my support of the arts because that’s where my heart is. So if you’re at a loss, go watch these movies, then go donate (read this post for a list of links).
Men in Black: International (streaming via Starz): Directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Tessa Thompson, this is a fun and entertaining take on the original series. This is a good one to watch if you want a little brain break and want to watch something that will make you laugh.
Us (streaming via HBO): This is one of the movies on the list I haven’t seen because I can’t handle horror movies and this one looks creepy AF. Lupita Nyong’o by all accounts gives an award-worthy performance in the film by writer/director Jordan Peele.
Little (streaming via HBO): Marsai Martin stars alongside Regina Hall and Issa Rae is this comedy directed by Tina Gordon Chism. This is another great one to watch when you want something fun and entertaining. I laughed out loud multiples times.
Queen and Slim (available to rent via Amazon Video): Melina Matsoukas directed this movie starring Jodie Turner-Smith and Daniel Kaluuya. Not going to lie, this is not an easy one to watch, but I was left thinking about it even days after I watched it so that should tell you something.
Shaft (streaming via HBO): I’m bummed I didn’t get a chance to see this one in the theaters, but it’s on my watch list. The movie stars Samuel L. Jackson and was directed by Tim Story.
The Photograph (available to rent via Amazon Video): You know I love a love story, and this was one gorgeous from top to bottom. Stella Meghie directs Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield in this dual timeline romance. This is a good one if you need a happy ending.
Atlantics (streaming on Netflix): I discovered this one when I was looking up titles for this post and immediately added it to my watch list. Directed by Mati Diop, this is a supernatural political romance and that was all I needed to read to sell me on it. Mati is the first Black woman to have a film entered in the main competition at Cannes, so yeah, I will be watching this one ASAP.
Selah and the Spades (streaming on Amazon Prime): This is another one I came across while writing this post. Directed by Tayarisha Poe, this film centers on a boarding school and the elite clique of girls who runs it. The description is giving me Mean Girls so I’m here for it.
Just Mercy (available to rent via Amazon Video): Full disclosure: This movie was directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, who is not Black. However, I’m including it here because it tells the true story of Bryan Stevenson so beautifully, it was one of the most impactful films I have ever seen. Both Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx give incredible performances, stock up on tissue before you start watching.
I’ve got a few movies from this list I’m planning on watching, and hopefully you will too. Did I miss any of your favorites? Let me know and I’ll add them to my list!
