QUEEN & SLIM - FILM OF THE YEAR

Wow. What a piece of work.

This is the most beautiful cinematic experience I’ve had in a while. The richness and the rawness really captivates the audience in a romantic and melodic way. Queen and Slim are an undeniably beautiful pair. The entire movie is based around a “Bonnie & Clyde” mood but you forget they’re even on the run, because of the romance. I was blushing the entire movie, from the flirting, to the sex scenes, to the way they grew with each other in just a matter of days. The film was relatable in many ways, which is what really draws you in and makes you commit to each scene. At this day and age, any 15-40 year old black person could face this exact situation, so that makes the movie really personal.

My favorite scene in the film, ( because I am a sap) - is when they went into the hole in the wall night club to dance. From the moment he pulled up, seeing the excitement on his face about taking her to dance. The back and forth dialect between them before they got out the car. It was all just filling my love cup to the freaking brim. I love this part of the movie because this is where they crossed the threshold from just friends to lovers. He finally got his second date and it was so spicy compared to the first. I loved the way the bar welcomed them - much how black people do in general with these types of settings. I love the way they danced and embraced each other. The flirt levels in this movie just really make you gush because it seems so genuine and real. I love the way that Slim made special moments happen throughout a journey others would view as scary. He made sure to create memories and leave a legacy behind regardless of how things may end.

The art in this movie was prevalent from the costumes, the soundtrack and the setting. Being a southern girl, I love the southern depictions in this movie. I felt right at home in the theater. The scenery as they drove through each state was so amazing to see. The intentional effort that was put behind this movie is outstanding. I didn’t take my eyes away from the screen for a second this entire film. I would say my favorite scene in regards to the arts, was when she went to her uncles house in New Orleans. Everybody has an uncle like that - one they can go to when they get into some real trouble. I found this part amusing and entertaining, but also insightful because we finally got an understanding of why Queen came off as cold in the beginning of the film.

I loved the representation of Slim. I love that he was a black man that was depicted as someone who was gentle, and loving. I love that Slim was a man who believed in a higher power and was comfortable in his own skin. Sometimes, in films its exhausting to always see the black man be overly-aggressive and have these nasty characteristics that take away from their magic. Slim was a man who knew how to demonstrate empathy and a poetic way of loving. Him and Queen made such a beautiful couple. I loved to see the way they handled each other and broke down walls to make room for trust and vulnerability. We need to see more of this kind of love in modern films.

This movie is perfect for a date night, though you’ll need a drink after. We actually saw the movie twice, and I could see it again and again. The way the movie was introduced to us on social media before it even hit theaters was so genius and intimate. I had a relationship with this film before it came out. I really love the direction black art is going and I can’t wait to see this movie win an award. I haven’t felt this way about a romantic/racial movie since “If Beale Street Could Talk”. Melina Matsoukas and Lena Waithe really outdid themselves.

What was your favorite part of Queen and Slim ?

Photo By : Andre Wagner