There was a natural drawing to the movie Queen & Slim I felt days before the release. Weird, because I heard nothing of it before that occurrence. Now, I know this could be because I tend not to have my ears pasted to cultural arrivals- or heightened celebratory events. That life has awarded me much peace, yet it can sometimes leave me unwarned about coming shifts in our culture. However, the opening day, I sat in an empty movie theater ready to feel what Melina Matsoukas and Lena Waites wanted to say to the world.
Having the opportunity to work with an independent film company when I first moved to Atlanta allowed me to learn aspects of film that helps translation of story versus just watching it. After the large film title impressed your mind with its “in your face” momentum, you're eased into a diner with two people sitting across from each other. The dark filter reminded me of Moon Light. It makes you want to peer in to see what is being seen. It also makes you marvel at the ambiance of blackness- the skin, the way our bones are structure- the way we glow.. even in darkness.
Two people on different sides of the table unconnectedly speak about dating in our culture; hook-up app, afraid to be alone- just doing something to pass the time until we feel better again. He is extremely interested, and she is honest and not open. There is also a subtle obvious of religious disconnect. He “Slim” a believer, and she ”Queen” chooses moral stability elsewhere. It could be because she’s a lawyer, logical thinker not giving room for the head in the clouds type of life. As they ride home, what was coming to a definite end to the night and them ever seeing each other again, everything takes a turn.
Before I knew it, I was no longer sitting in row G seat 12. I was in my mother’s living room, in my classroom, laying in my bed, having dinner and drinks with my friend, just living my life and suddenly being bombarded with countless images of inhumane acts from law enforcement towards Black people in America. I was watching the movie, but at that point, I started to feel the film. The suppressed emotions that were nearing desensitization resurfaced, and I became still. Flashes from Rodney King to Botham Jean flipped like an old picture show in my heart. I was re-reading the writings on the walls at the National African American Museum regarding the rise of the klan. I returned to the fear that manifested as anger.
Briefly knowing their backstory made them innocent; however, with Queen being a defense lawyer, she knew they would never have a fair trial. I had no pity when they left the officer dying in the cold. I felt he deserved it.
As Queen and Slim ran for and from their lives, I gathered a few themes that rested on my mind. 
One: Strongly stand in what you know for sure and don’t let your guard down from your truth based on how people want you to feel. - The first sheriff at the gas station
Two: Family is family- whether you want to fuck with them or not. - Uncle’s house
Three: Be careful because the younger generation is watching you - Mechanic shop and little boy.
Four: Not all of us have sold our soul to the blue-eyed devil - the Black cop in the garage.
Five: We have to teach our people who the real enemy is or we will continue to allow them to brainwash us to think it’s each other. - Riot
Six: It is our own people. We MUST do better- Airplane
I appreciate the moments the creators allowed us to breathe. For me, it painted the story that family and close friends know of when we lose a Black human to police murders. It allowed life to soak in, although the desperation to be free continuously paced the narrative. It allowed for differences to align. It allowed walls to come down and connection to evolve. A friendship birthed and a commitment fulfilled.
As I reflect on the movie writing this review, I shed a few tears. More opens inside of me from my experience, watching the beautiful narrative on screen.
To Love- entering a new phase of vulnerability and love, yet clouded by traditions that have not informed us on loving the modern lover; unable to speak their language. Housing so much strength, but stripped of knowing how to be strong.
No To Love- Career-driven who is closed off to love and only fulfilling time with empty interactions. Wants love but doesn’t know how. Remarkably strong but in need of strength- the kind only accessed through vulnerability.
Queen & Slim spoke this very loudly to me- STOP FUCKING KILLING US, and I LOVE YOU!
I would have kissed all your scars. GO SEE THE MOVIE!
Awesome narrative
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