Queen And Slim: Review by: @Kush_Hayes
For a movie about one of the worst case scenarios resulting from a traffic stop, theres a lot of right going on in this film thats a feature length debut for its director Melina Matsoukas. Of course shes not alone when she has the help of Lena Waithe providing the screenplay for a movie that might be 2019s most underrated film. The story these two present take us on a journey that could happen to anyone reading this, and everyone else not reading this. And the biggest question one might take away from this is ‘what would you do in their shoes?’ - Id like to word that better, but I feel like it might give away spoilers.
We meet our titular characters, Queen played by Jodie Turner-Smith and Slim played by Daniel Kaluuya on what has to be on pace to be known as a horrible first date. While the two are already at dinner, we can see that Queen has been over the situation she initiated before Slim even picked her up that night. Turns out Queen is a lawyer who lost a big case with a big consequence and that would upset anyone. We discover Slim is definitely a ‘go with the flow’ kind of guy, who believes all things happen for a reason. Seems like if fate wanted to put these two together, there would have been a better path then self defense from a racist cop with a record and reputation for false arrests and other incidents of misjustice.
Along the way we meet friends. Whether we can trust them of not is not an option in grave situations like these two are in and each one of them has an opinion on the situation despite there being fill video out there for the world to see. Some people find them to be heroes avenging the public from an oppressive power. Some find them to be vigilante cop killers. Some think theyre starting a movement. No two individuals we meet seem to think the same way over the incident that was just a random traffic stop gone horribly wrong.
Daniel Kaluuya continues to get better with each new appearance on screen and manages to never play the same character twice. The way he transforms personalities is still impressive and you understand why he got the nominations he got out of Jordan Peeles Get Out. The way he presents Slim is - while stated above, go with the flow, hes also afraid of conflict. Constantly letting things happen to him and making excuses for others including trigger happy police officers holding guns on him.
I dont know why the marketing for this movie states that this is an Introduction to Jodie Turner-Smith as shes got a resume prior to this. The scales of each project is unknown to me, but I am glad I was introduced to her in this film. JTS brings a strong performance to one of the most complex characters Ive met in theaters this year. We know her character is a lawyer, we know shes got a chip on her shoulder and shes an A-Type personality, but then we meet her vulnerable side and discover shes had a crazy life that you didnt think could happen to people. She brings great logic to Slims reason and the two have a great chemistry that you enjoy seeing on our road trip. I look forward to seeing more from JTS.
There are definitely better reasons to go on a roadtrip and just like all of them we meet all sorts of three dimensional characters. Good or bad, they all have depth, quality, conviction, to go with their flaws and you wish you could get to know them. Thats great writing on the part of Lena Waithe. On this journey, no ones good, no ones, bad, no ones grey, theyre just people living in the environment they were placed upon. Common themes I found in this film were trust, honesty and hospitality. Add to that, courage, fear, uncertainty and optimism. Lena Waithe introduces us to two characters we are annoyed by, scared for, hopeful when can be and ultimately heartbroken over.
Melina Matsoukas who has a long line of music videos and tv under belt has been waiting for the opportunity to present a story of this magnitude for an audience who, for the majority, may not be ready to view. She gets her camera in some great angles on the various cars we go through. She creates all the right blocking on the set pieces we live in on our road trip. Add to that some fantastic wide shots and some interesting placed Voice Overs to add to the emotion.
While not at the top, I think this is one of the best films of 2019. I dont know how many people are going to give this film an honest chance, but I do know it will be an injustice if this film does not receive any nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography.
Five out of Six Blueberries
Rated R for violence, some strong sexuality, nudity, pervasive language, and brief drug use.
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