Black Romance In Film Makes A Glorious Return On The Set Of 'The Photograph'

Love and romance are integral parts of the human experience. However, romantic dramas in cinema starring Black people have been few and far between. Some of the most beloved have been Love Jones, The Best Man and Love & Basketball. Also, recent projects like Beyond the Lights, Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk have shown Black love.  However, there have been limited films that solely focus on love and relationships between young Black people in the 21st century. In her New York City-based romantic drama, The Photograph, writer and director Stella Meghie is putting the spotlight on Black love stories.

The Photograph follows Mae Morton (Issa Rae), a museum curator grappling with the death of her estranged mother, a famed photographer. After uncovering a forgotten photograph in her late mother's safety deposit box, Mae embarks on a quest to unpack who her mother truly was. Her journey connects with journalist Michael Block (Lakeith Stanfield), who is working on his own story about Mae's mom.

"I was 16 watching Love Jones on repeat," Meghie explained when Shadow And Act visited The Photograph set in New York City. "It was an adult, very sexy, intellectual, sophisticated kind of love. That film shaped me a lot. Love & Basketball was a big thing for me. Gina Prince-Bythewood is a definite inspiration. Hav Plenty as well."

The Photograph is a story that the Canadian-born director has been wanting to create for years. "I talked to Will [Packer] about a romantic drama like five years ago," she revealed. "I ended up doing my first film Jean of the Joneses and then Everything, Everything. However, I wanted to come back to this script. I finally ended up writing it a few years later after we spoke about it."

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Image: Universal Pictures.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw Is Shattering The Mold: EXCLUSIVE

Though the spotlight isn’t always directly on them—women are often the catalysts who propel some of Hollywood’s most enticing stories forward. Based on Jonathan Lethem’s 1999 novel of the same name, Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s latest feature, Motherless Brooklyn, is a compelling crime drama with a film noir tone. After falling in love with the story and its characters, actor/director Edward Norton decided to put his own twist on Lethem’s gritty Brooklyn.

Moving the story from 1999—Norton sets his tale in the 1950s. The actor/director stars as Lionel “Brooklyn” Essrog, a private investigator struggling with Tourette syndrome who is taken under the wing of Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). However, when Minna is murdered it’s up to Lionel to piece together what happened. His quest to uncover the truth leads him to ruthless New York City planner, Moses Randolph (Alec Baldwin) and a Harlem lawyer/activist Laura Rose (Mbatha-Raw).

Ahead of the film’s release STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Mbatha-Raw about diving into this compelling story, working with this incredible cast that also includes Leslie Mann, Willem Dafoe, Michael K. Williams, and Bobby Cannavale–and why her character just might hold the key to unpacking this mystery.

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Image: Cierra Miller/STYLECASTER.

Tyrese Talks Biggie Smalls, Eric Garner & Being Vulnerable In 'Black And Blue'

With the seemingly constant murders of Black people at the hands of police across the globe, and in the United States specifically, it can feel unsettling to watch the relationships between police forces and the Black community on screen. However, for filmmaker Deon Taylor, even more urgently in the wake of the murders of Botham Jean and Atatiana Jefferson, this is a conversation that needs to continue.

Set in contemporary New Orleans, Taylor's latest thriller, Black and Blue, follows rookie police officer Alicia West (Naomie Harris) as she returns to her hometown after several tours in Afghanistan. With a newly minted police badge, Alicia finds herself shunned from the community she once left behind. Feeling like an outsider from her fellow "brothers and sisters in blue," and desiring to be of service, Alicia naively tries to extend her arms to the community and her colleagues, but both are equally suspicious of her motives.

In addition to her personal troubles, Alicia has joined a police force that is riddled with problems. Ultimately, things take a turn for the worst when she bears witness to the brutal murders of several young Black drug dealers at the hands of some corrupt cops, all of which have been recorded on her body cam. With both the cops and the Black community turning against her, Alicia turns to the one person who might be willing to help, her old friend, Milo "Mouse" Jackson (Tyrese Gibson). Knowing that her only means of survival is getting the video from her bodycam uploaded to the internet Alicia leans on Milo to help her navigate the streets.

Ahead of the film's debut, Shadow And Act caught up with Taylor, Harris, Gibson and co-stars Mike Colter, Nafessa Williams and Frank Grillo to talk about the heart-pounding thriller. We chatted about New Orleans as the landscape of this film and why it's so essential to keep discussing police brutality in the Black community.

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Image: Sony.

Cynthia Erivo & Kasi Lemmons On Depicting ‘Harriet’ With Love: EXCLUSIVE

It’s always a massive undertaking when trying to depict the life of a legendary historical figure–especially on the big screen. Bringing Harriet Tubman’s legacy to life would take much more than sheer determination. Helmed by Eve’s Bayou director Kasi Lemmons with Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo stepping into the famed Underground Railroad conductor’s shoes, as much as Harriet is a story about the horrors of slavery, it’s also a film about love and faith.

Set in Dorchester County, Maryland, in 1849, the year Tubman escaped to freedom in Philadelphia, Lemmons’ Harriet follows the young abolitionist throughout her many missions back into the slave states leading into the Civil War to rescue friends and loved ones. Though many people have lamented the release of Harriet as yet “another slave movie,” Lemmons’ lens and Erivo’s take on Tubman showcases something entirely different.

While the brutality of slavery hovers in the shadows of the film, the Black Nativity director centers her story on love. When the film opens, we find the enslaved young woman hopelessly in love with her free husband, John Tubman (Zackary Momoh). She’s also extremely close to her mother (Vaness Bell Calloway), father (Clarke Peters), and brothers.

However, the brutality of the peculiar institution and the threat of being sold away like her beloved sisters emboldens Tubman to run for her life. Using her faith in God as her guide–the political activist finds another version of a family in abolitionist William Still (Leslie Odom, Jr.)  and a free Black woman named Marie (Janelle Monáe). Though they both caution Tubman about returning to the South, especially with the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 looming –the fearsome revolutionary does not heed their advice.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: STYLECASTER.

Chatting On WNYC's 'The Takeaway' About Disney + and What’s to Be Done With 'Song Of the South'

Next month, Disney is set to launch its new streaming service, Disney Plus, giving audiences access to an extensive range of the studio’s films, from classics like "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" to less well-known releases like 1995’s "Operation Dumbo Drop." 

But one controversial title will remain locked away in the Disney Vault: 1946’s "Song of the South." Set on a plantation in the late 19th century, the film was boycotted by the NAACP at the time of its release for selling a whitewashed version of slavery.

While "Song of the South" has been unavailable to the public for decades, Disney has continued profiting off of the property: including the song "Zip a Dee Doo Dah" on music compilations and using the film as the basis for the Splash Mountain ride at Disneyland.

Joining The Takeaway to discuss "Song of the South" is Aramide Tinubu, an entertainment editor for Stylecaster.com and freelance film critic. 

Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear this segment. Don't have time to listen right now? Subscribe for free to our podcast via iTunes, TuneIn, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts to take this segment with you on the go.

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Image: Aramide Tinubu

‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ Coulda Been A Bad B*tch

It’s always intriguing to examine Disney fairytales through the perspective of the villains. Five years ago with her sharp cheekbones and spectacular horns, we fell in love with Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent. Now years later with this Maleficent: Mistress of Evil movie review–-we expected the “good girl” to go bad again. Unfortunately, instead of the diabolical dark fey that we grew to love–the follow up to Maleficent showcases the powerful fairy in a much more reserved light.

Picking up years after the first film–we find Aurora (Elle Fanning) living as the Queen of the Moors. There’s been peace for many years and with an impending marriage between Prince Phillip (Harris Dickinson) and Aurora, there is hope that the Moors and the prince’s kingdom might be formally united in peace once and for all. However, as we all know–we cannot simply skip to the “happily ever after.”

While Jolie’s Maleficent still gets rilled up when she feels threatened or when the connection that she and Aurora share is hanging precariously in the balance–she’s not actually the villain in this mistitled film. Instead, that honor goes to Prince Philip’s diabolical mother– Queen Ingrith (Michelle Pfeiffer). Rather than centering the film on Maleficent and all of the ways she’s misunderstood–or giving her a better Achilles’ heel than iron– the villainous crown in this flick goes to Pfeiffer’s Queen Ingrith.

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Image: Disney.

Jessica Allain Doesn’t Think Money Should Be A Taboo: EXCLUSIVE

Hollywood isn’t always the easiest space to navigate. However, for The Laundromat actress Jessica Allain, grasping on to each project with fervor and gusto has been the key to success. Though the London native is a star on the rise in the entertainment industry–she’s been working as a model since she was just 16 years old. Her love for the camera seamlessly transitioned into her actor’s training. With credits like Mission Impossible 5: Rogue Nation and Blumhouse’s Thriller under her belt–Allain’s latest project might be her most ambitious yet.

Starring Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman and Antonio Banderas–Netflix’s The Laundromat follows the Panama Papers scandal. Streep plays Ellen Martin, a woman who falls down a rabbit hole of insurance fraud and scams when the vacation of her dreams takes a tragic turn. What she finds is a shady Panama City law firm run by Jürgen Mossack (Oldman) and Ramón Fonseca (Banderas) who run offshore tax schemes. For her part, Allain plays Simone–a Southern California college student whose affluent world shatters due to her father’s indiscretions.

Ahead of The Laundromat’s debut on Netflix–STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Allain about the film, why this role was so intriguing to her and why we’ve got to start talking about money.

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Image: Instagram.

Maddison Jaizani Has Some Secrets To Share: EXCLUSIVE

We’ve heard this story before–but we’ve never seen it quite like this. Nancy Drew is the whipsmart detective of our girlhoods. However, in The CW’s Nancy Drew–actress Maddison Jaizani and the rest of the cast are about to show us a much more menacing side to Nancy, Horseshoe Bay, Maine and the mysteries we all thought we knew.

On the series–Kennedy McMann stars as the red-headed teen detective. When her mother dies–Nancy’s dreams of attending the prestigious Columbia University fade into the background as well as her passion for detective work. Shoving her aspirations and her grief into the corners of her mind, Nancy works as a waitress at the Horseshoe Bay diner along with her former classmate and surly boss George Fan (Leah Lewis), the aloof Ace (Alex Saxon), and Bess Marvin (Jaizani)–a recent Horseshoe Bay transplant still clinging to the last remnants of her affluent past.

However, when the foursome, along with Nancy’s secret boyfriend Ned “Nick” Nickerson (Tunji Kasim) are implicated in the murder of a socialite –the red-headed detective must put on her mystery-solving hat again–unpacking her personal demons, and uncovering her friends’ secrets in the midst of it.

Ahead of the debut of Nancy Drew–-STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Jaizani about the surprisingly dark show, what exactly Bess is hiding and what we can expect during this debut season.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

Meagan Tandy Is The Girl With The Guns: EXCLUSIVE

For the past two decades, popular culture has had a laser-sharp focus on the superhero genre. From Spider-Man to Iron Man–we’ve been enamored with various meta-humans from the Marvel and DC Universes. Unfortunately, only a handful of these superheroes have been women. Now, with The CW’s Batwoman, Meagan Tandy is proving that women hardly need superpowers to be badass.

Batwoman is set in Gotham–three years after Batman aka Bruce Wayne has vanished into thin air. In the caped crusader’s absence–Gotham is being protected by Jacob Kane and his military-grade Crows Private Security. However, the rise of the diabolical Alice (Rachel Skarsten) and the disappearance of Crows’ top security agent, Sophie Moore (Tandy) brings a new superhero to town.

Kate Kane (Ruby Rose)–Batman’s cousin and the daughter of Jacob Kane returns home to Gotham after a long absence. An out lesbian–Kate is still struggling with demons from her past and a heartwrenching end to her romantic relationship with Sophie. However, in her cousin’s absence and fearing for Sophie’s safety forces Kate to do the one thing her family is against–becoming the city’s new cloaked vigilante.

Ahead of Batwoman’s debut–STYLECASTER chatted with Tandy about the series, being a badass and why this is so much more than a “superhero” series.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

Skai Jackson Can Speak For Herself: EXCLUSIVE

Though she may have begun her career as a Disney-kid, there’s nothing meek or mild about this actress, activist and author. Skai Jackson’s book and awards prove that she has come into her own. Her new book, Reach for the Skai: How to Inspire, Empower, and Clapback proves that she’s more than capable of speaking up for the causes near and dear to her heart. Though many of us know Skai for her roles on shows like Jessie and Bunk’d and her more-recent appearance in Lil Nas X’s “Panini” video–a good chunk of Jackson’s life work thus far has been done off the screen.

The 17-year-old has been vocal about her zero-tolerance policy against bullying and her classy clapbacks that have empowered others to stand up for themselves. On the heels of the release of Reach for the Skai–-Jackson was honored at TLC’s Third Annual GIVE A LITTLE Awards In partnership with Love Is Louder, a project of The Jed Foundation. The New York City native was recognized for her tireless work to eradicate bullying and promote kindness for the generations coming after us. In the wake of our current political climate and with the explosion of social media–this is no easy feat.

Yet, with grace, poise and self-assurance that many teenagers are still trying to find–Jackson is using her voice to show us that harassment of any kind has no place in our communities. On the day of her book launch–STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Jackson about her new book, why she’s never going to be silenced and preparing herself for the next phase in her career.

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Image: Instagram.

Alice Waddington Is Here For Brave & Bold Women: EXCLUSIVE

There has been much talk about women taking the reigns in the entertainment industry–but for her directorial debut, Paradise Hills, Alice Waddington wanted to be certain that this sort of agency extended into the characters on the screen. A gorgeously shot fantasy futuristic film--Paradise Hills follows Uma (Emma Roberts), a bold and determined young woman from the upper echelons of society. When she refuses to heed her mother’s wishes to marry a horrible man for his wealth-Uma finds herself shipped off to Paradise. Led by The Duchess (Milla Jovovich), Paradise is a picturesque boarding school with a spa-like appearance. Its mission is to convert rebellious young women into demure, agreeable ladies.

Upon her arrival, Uma encounters –Yu (Awkwafina), Amarna (Eiza Gonzalez) and Chloe (Danielle Macdonald). Together the ladies discover that things at Paradise aren’t quite what they seem. With stunning sets and lavish costuming–the core of Paradise Hills remains with the women, and what happens when silenced voices are compelled to speak for themselves and blaze their own paths despite treacherous terrain. Ahead of Paradise Hills‘ debut–STYLECASTER chatted with Waddington about the need for female-led and diverse films–why this story spoke to her heart and all about that stunning costuming.

“I have a few cousins who are, 12, 13, 14 years old,” Waddington reflected on why Paradise Hills spoke to her. “The world is continuously telling them that they’re not going to be perfect enough, or beautiful enough, or popular enough, and that the real versions of themselves don’t matter and that they need to change who they are to fit into society. I just wanted to tell them that all of their imperfections make them beautiful. They don’t need to change for other people, they need to find the people who love them for who they truly are. That was my intention was with the film. When I was 12, 13, 14 years old I was a big fan of fantasy, and I was a big fan of all science fiction. And I loved Lord of the Rings, and Ender’s Game and The Neverending Story, but I couldn’t see myself in those narratives. I essentially wanted to create a story in which I could rescue princesses and slay dragons myself.”

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Image: Instagram.

Lovie Simone Has Charisma—In Spades: EXCLUSIVE

When you’re able to make a name for yourself amongst legends like Lynn Whitfield and Keith David–it’s clear that you have an effervescent spirit. Lovie Simone has starred on the hit OWN series, Greenleaf since 2016 as the charismatic and rebellious Zora Greenleaf.  But now, the 20-year-old is more than ready to show the world that portraying Zora is only the tip of the iceberg. With a slew of films debuting soon and an iconic casting announcement, Lovie’s name is exploding around Hollywood.

In addition to Greenleaf–Simone’s forthcoming film, All Rise based on Walter Dean Myers’ National Book Award-winning novel Monster is slated to hit theaters in November. Also, her Sundance hit, Selah and The Spades where she stars opposite Emmy-winner Jharrel Jerome will premiere on Amazon soon. With all of this happening amid Season 4 of Greenleaf, Lovie is one busy woman.

However, the New York native is just taking it all in. Recently, STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Simone about why she left fashion school for acting, Zora’s Season 4 journey, playing the bad girl in Selah, and her bewitching upcoming project.

“I’m very into fashion, but not in the mainstream sense,” Simone revealed about why she left the fashion industry for acting. “But I do feel like acting is for me because it’s not just one perspective that I get to grasp and understand. There are so many characters and so many people that you have to go through and figure out their gray areas. It’s not the white and black that you normally encounter when you come into contact with strangers.”

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Image: Instagram.

Baddie Winkle Is Committed To Living Her Best Life: EXCLUSIVE

While most of us have to remember not to take ourselves so seriously, some people are born with a euphoric energy that they never lose. Our favorite grandma influencer Baddie Winkle teamed up with Jack in the Box for Jack’s Playground–a whimsical adult-sized playground that boasted everything from curly fry swings, a massive (and super-fast) bacon slide, and a couple of taco see-saws. In the midst of Las Vegas’ Life Is Beautiful–an immersive music, arts, comedy and food festival, Jack’s Playground was the perfect place to get into the swing of the day (literally). It also proved to be the ideal location to let our hair down after a long day of listening to acts like Bea Miller, Cautious Clay and Pink Sweat$.

Hanging with Baddie was certainly one of the highlights of the three-day affair. Adrienne Ingoldt–Jack in the Box’s VP of Marketing and Communications revealed that the 91-year old influencer was their only choice to host Jack’s Playground. “We are very choosy about where we choose to activate,” she explained. “We want to keep company that shares our mindset about being an individual, expressing yourself, going against the grain. And, as we say, be the curly fry in a sea of regular fries, and this is definitely the festival for that. Baddie’s awesome. She marches to the beat of her own drum, and the energy she brings, the individuality she brings absolutely reflects the spirit of Jack in the Box and the people who work there–the food we make. We do everything a little bit different.”

When she wasn’t zooming around in her plush rainbow shooter, crushing Jack’s Playground visitors in games of fiery skeeball, and spending time with fans–STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Baddie on a plush red lip couch with swirls of whipped cream complete with cherries on top as a backdrop. We chatted about Life Is Beautiful, her partnership with Jack Ii the Box, the fashion that speaks to her soul and why this the best time to be a woman.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

Keke Palmer’s Superpower Is Being True To Herself: EXCLUSIVE

When you’ve been working in the industry since you were a kid, you know the interworkings of Hollywood like the back of your hand. This knowledge has enabled Hustlers actress Keke Palmer to cultivate a distinguished and multifaceted career at just 26-years-old. An actress, singer, and morning show host–Palmer can’t be placed in a box.

Though she began her career in films like Akeelah and the Bee and on shows like Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP–as an adult, the veteran actress has starred in everything from the musical Joyful Noise to the gritty drama, Pimp. Now, in addition to the critically acclaimed Hustlers, Palmer is lending her voice and her opinion to the morning show, GMA3: Strahan, Sara and Keke while continually working in entertainment.

All of this hasn’t deterred Palmer from continuing to seek out movie roles or becoming the face of the most hilarious viral meme of 2019 –“Sorry to This Man.” At #BlogHer19 Creators Summit, STYLECASTER sat down to chat with Palmer about the most terrifying thing she’s done in her career, how she’s remained so positive amid #cancelculture, and what compels her to say “yes” to a role.

“I think at home, my mom always encouraged me to be myself,” Palmer reflected on how her upbringing shaped who she is today. “She encouraged me to be true, to not let other people’s perception of me be the perception of myself as a woman, as a Black woman, as a Black person, and as a young person. She always made me feel like I could defy whatever those odds were. Growing up in the church, I think that’s a place where many people can find their voice. That sense of community that I saw very early on, it always made me feel like I had that foundation that I could stand tall.”

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Image: Cierra Miller/ STYLECASTER.

The Intensity Of 'Human Capital' Fizzles In The End

As human beings, we'd like to think that the decisions we make stand alone. We pretend that our choices in no way affect our loved ones or the strangers whose lives' circle ours. The truth is, our fates are more intertwined then we would like to admit. Based on Stephen Amidon's 2004 novel, Marc Meyers' Human Capital shows how the lives of several families can collide against one another. 

The film opens with a tragedy—a cyclist, someone's father and husband, is sideswiped as he's riding home from work. Though the motorist sees him—they ride off, living him for dead on the side of the road as if he were a squirrel or roadkill. Meyers then pulls us back in time, and we begin to meet the people whose lives are irrevocably changed as a result of the accident.

First, there's Drew (Liev Schreiber)— a middle-class real-estate agent drowning in debts and struggling to get by. Desperate to be more, make more money—or simply to feel included, he becomes enthralled, almost to the point of obsession with Quint (Peter Sarsgaard). Quint's son, Jamie (Fred Hechinger) is dating Drew's daughter. Shannon (Maya Hawke). With new changes on the horizon in his small family and with his wife, Ronnie (Betty Gabriel)-- Drew goes against the advice of everyone he knows, hastily investing in Quint's elite hedge fund.

Though the lives of the wealthy and elite often look pristine from the outside, we all know that they are typically cracked and fractured once you peer a bit closer. Quint's company isn't exactly having the best quarter. His long-suffering wife Carrie (Maresi Tomei) is sad, bored and lonely— and his son, Jamie is harboring a secret.

The first two acts of Human Captial are beautifully paced and measured. Meyers points his lens at each character, unpacking their motivations and desires while pulling the tension of the dramatic thriller tauter. It's enthralling to watch people dive headfirst into traps of their own making, allowing their very worse compulsions and instincts lead them. 

Amid a revelation from Jamie and her parents' own significant life changes, Shannon falls for a new guy, Ian (Alex Wolff) However, because we sit with Quint, Drew, Carrie, and even Jamie for so long in the front end of the film—when we arrive at Shannon's perspective in the final act, Human Capital falters. Though we understand a bit of Shannon's background through Drew, Ronnie and Jamie, Meyers does not sit with her long enough for the audience to connect with her--let alone Ian. 

Dark, bearded, and alluring—it's clear why Shannon is almost immediately enamored with Ian. However, their "romance" is stuffed in a quick handful of scenes that don't give the audience enough depth or time to connect with them. For her part, Shannon lacks boundaries and loyalty means nothing her, which makes empathizing with her difficult. Though she and Ian are both fragile people, their motivations remain unclear so the audience never really cares about either of them. Therefore, as things come to a head, the foundation that Meyers so beautifully laid out in the first hour of the film does not stand.

Dark, bearded, and alluring—it's clear why Shannon is almost immediately enamored with Ian. However, their "romance" is stuffed in a quick handful of scenes that don't give the audience enough depth or time to connect with them. For her part, Shannon lacks boundaries. It’s clear that loyalty means nothing her, which makes empathizing with her difficult. Though she and Ian are both fragile people, their motivations remain unclear so the audience never really cares about either of them. Therefore, as things come to a head, the foundation that Meyers so beautifully laid out in the first hour of the film does not stand. 

With 95 minute run-time, Meyers is required to do quite a bit in Human Capital. The sheer amount of characters in the film need a great deal of examination. However, the last act of the film does not have the intensity or character development that was so carefully laid out in the first two acts. Therefore, the film's climax doesn't really pay off. Instead, when the dust settles and all is said in done, we are left to wonder why were even supposed to be enthralled with these people to begin with. 

Human Capital premiered Sept. 10 at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Image: Toronto International Film Festival.

The Bordelons Are Stronger Than Ever In 'Queen Sugar' Season 4 Finale [Recap]

After the blowup in last week's episode with Micah (Nicholas L. Ashe) telling his mother Charley (Dawn-Lyen Gardner) that he will be attending Xavier University instead of Harvard University, things are tense in their home. Micah apologizes for telling her the news the way that he did and Charley apologizes for her reaction, citing the stress of the city council election. She also tells Micah that she needs more time to process his choice. As she watches her only child exit the room, someone bangs loudly on the front door.

As Charley opens the door, several St. Josephine deputies burst inside with a warrant for her arrest. Charley is being arrested for arson and intent to defraud. This is connected to the fire at Queen Sugar Mill. Whew, these people get bolder every single day.

The entire Bordelon family has gathered at the police station to await news on Charley. Micah is on the phone with his mother's lawyer while Aunt Vi (Tina Lifford) and Nova (Rutina Wesley) sit anxiously in the waiting room. Ralph Angel (Kofi Siriboe) isn't anxious, he's pissed. He's ready to pick a fight with anyone who tries him, including the police officers or Nova. Before things descend into total chaos, Charley is released and mostly unruffled. Charley's lawyer is able to get her released on a fixed bail. As the Bordelons go to exit the police station, Nova warns Charley that reporters are waiting outside.

After using Aunt Vi's compact to get her face together, Charley holds her head high and confronts the reporters. She labels her arrest a shame while also calling out the corrupt sheriff by name and warns everyone who will listen that if they are going to come for her and her people, they should be certain they aren't going to miss.

At Vi's Prized Pies & Diner, Vi is waiting as Sam Landry (David Jensen) enters the establishment. If you recall, several episodes ago she told him she was calling in a decades-long favor he owes her. It looks like Sam is FINALLY coming through. He has a stack of papers that prove his sister Frances Boudreaux (Annalee Jefferies) has been up to no good. It turns out Sam's secret is that he has a Black daughter. Back in the day when his father found out he'd fallen for a Black woman, he tried to kill Sam. Vi stepped in and helped the woman and child escape St. Josephine unscathed. Though Vi hasn't spoken to the mother of Sam's child for 15 years, she does inform Sam that his daughter is a Spelman College and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania graduate.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Image: Skip Bolen/OWN.

Renée Zellweger Is Absolutely Captivating In ‘Judy’

Though we love them–Hollywood biopics tend to be one-note. These films center a famous historical figure, tracking their childhood through the most critical moments in their lives. Renée Zellweger’s turn as Judy Garland in Judy reinvigorates the biopic genre. Chronicling the last year of the late legend’s life–Zellweger is searing, impactful and profound.

Despite her immense stardom, by the end of Garland’s life in 1969, she was nearly penniless–divorced yet again, banished from many Los Angeles hotels and struggling to raise her young children, Lorna and Joey. After some mental health issues and some struggles with opioid addiction–a habit that was thrust on her as a young girl under MGM studios– Garland was deemed unemployable and uninsurable.

As a last-ditch effort to make some money and wrangle her children away from her ex-husband–Garland took a residency at the London Theatre. She was obviously haunted by her time in showbusiness. The emotional and physical abuse that she suffered under the tyrannical MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer as a young girl was especially horrific. However, despite the weight of her past and her failing health, Zellweger depicts a light and vibrant movie star.

The Chicago star brings a vivaciousness to The Wizard of Oz legend who was always willing to try and fight through her despair and loneliness. While most people would have leaned into the tragic thread of the late movie star’s story– Zellweger works diligently to bring forth her charm and wit. In the beginning of the film where she’s seen interacting with her children–her world has fallen apart, but to them (and us) she’s positively dazzling. Despite her apparent pain and suffering, she musters up every ounce of courage so that they are safe, secure and cared for. Later in London–she meets a gay couple who have also been beaten down by life. Amid her own despair, she connects with them. Though she was riddled with anxiety, insomnia, and alcoholism, the magic and desire to be the stage never left Garland. Zellweger walks the tight rope between joy and anguish so gracefully in her performance that it will leave you enchanted.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Roadside Attractions.

Anjelika Washington Is Standing Tall: EXCLUSIVE

Sometimes, when you’ve been putting positive vibes out in the universe, you get everything you’ve ever dreamed of. Tall Girl actress Anjelika Washington did just that, and it led to her feature film debut. The California native has had guest spots on hit shows like Showtime’s Shameless and CBS’ Young Sheldon. However, her role in Tall Girl has provided her with the opportunity to shine and sparkle in front of a much larger audience.

Tall Girl follows a 16-year-old girl named Jodi (Ava Michelle). Though we all had our trials and tribulations during our teen years, Jodi’s 6′ 2″ stature means that she automatically stands out. Things take a turn for her when a Swedish foreign exchange student transfers into her school–capturing Jodi’s attention and maybe even her heart. In Tall Girl, Washington stars as Jodi’s pint-sized no-nonsense BFF Fareeda.

Passionate and intensely protective of her more thin-skinned bestie, Fareeda isn’t about to take ish for anyone. Sporting her gorgeous fuschia box braids and more savage clap backs then Rihanna–Washington embodies her spunky character perfectly. Ahead of Tall Girl’s debut on Netflix–STYLECASTER chatted with Washington about the film, why she connects so well with Fareeda and her upcoming magical project with DC’s Extended Universe.

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph On 'Dolemite Is My Name,' Bonding With Eddie Murphy And Becoming Ruth Carter's Muse

In the 1970s, comedian Rudy Ray Moore was forcefully pushed out of entertainment. Though he'd seen some minor success with a few albums and some work in comedy, doors quickly closed in his face. Against all rational sense, and with the money that he was able to piece together from family and friends, Moore reinvented himself as the character Dolemite, garnered major attention on the comedy stage and eventually made his own Blaxploitation film, Dolemite, off of the strength of his own tenacity.

Amid his come up, Moore met Lady Reed. She became his protégée, subverted Black female stereotypes of the Blaxploitation era and appeared in several films including Dolemite along with him. Now, Eddie Murphy along with Tony Award-nominated actress Da'Vine Joy Randolph, have immortalized Moore and Reed on the big screen with Netflix's Dolemite is My Name. 

Beautifully crafted, heartfelt and hilarious, Dolemite Is My Name carries an impactful message about following your dreams. Its robust cast, in addition to Murphy and Randolph, includes Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps, Craig Robinson, Tituss Burgess, Tip "T.I." Harris and Wesley Snipes. The ensemble brings a rich and very Black experience to the big screen.

At the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, Shadow And Act sat down with Randolph to talk about becoming Lady Reed, working with Murphy and the stunning costuming from the hands of the legendary Ruth Carter.

Continue reading at Shadow and Act.

Image: Netflix.

Chantel Riley Wants Everyone To Win: EXCLUSIVE

When you’re a Black woman in Hollywood– it’s easy to be forced into a box. However, Pearson star, Chantel Riley was never going to allow that to happen to her. The Broadway star is a chameleon in the industry who has stunned in so many different roles that can’t be pegged down.

Though she’s currently starring as Angela Cook–Jessica Pearson’s (Gina Torres) no-nonsense cousin on the long-awaited Suits spinoff– Pearson, there isn’t much Riley can’t do. SyFy fans know her as the vampire Kate on the paranormal series Wynonna Earp. She was also recently seen on the Canadian crime-drama series, Frankie Drake Mysteries. In addition to her work on the stage and small screen– Riley is also a vocalist– having just released her first single and video for “Not Anymore” in late June.

Amid the freshman season of Pearson, Riley sat down to chat with STYLECASTER about the series, what’s she’s learned about herself from Angela and why she’s so passionate about uplifting underrepresented communities and Black artists.

“So I have to be honest,” Riley revealed. “I’d only watched a couple of episodes of Suits, before getting my role on Pearson. It’s only because I don’t watch that much television– but I did catch some episodes. When I heard about Pearson–I did go back and do some studying. When I did finally dive in, it made me all the more excited to come aboard the show.”

Continue reading at STYLECASTER.

Image: Instagram.