A love story sharpened through pain and fear, “Queen and Slim” is a tragically beautiful tale of love in the face of certain doom.
Directed by Melina Matsoukas (her first feature), and written by Lena Waithe, “Queen and Slim” is ambitious in its quest for powerful imagery and strong thematically rich storytelling.
The film begins with Angela “Queen” Johnson (Jodie Turner-Smith) and Ernest “Slim” Hines (Daniel Kaluuya) at a diner on their first date. A match made through Tinder and inspired by pity from a certain Queen, the date itself is rather unspectacular for them both, until they leave, eventually finding themselves in the sights of a give-me-a-reason tempered cop.
When he presses the couple at gunpoint, chaos ensues, leading to his demise. In this way, the film subverts the real-life tragedy of police brutality, while also sparking a romantic thriller of epic proportions.
And romantic this story is. In the midst of the subsequent media scrutiny that follows their escape, the titular Queen and Slim grow closer in their love for one another.
Angela begins the film with razor-sharp edges that would prick a knife, her life as an attorney creating a cynic out of her. Turner-Smith commands the screen with the ease of a veteran actress, this being her first leading role. Turner-Smith emotes pain without it having to be expressed in full, which adds layers to the woman she portrays.
Ernest is more of a chilled soul who is trying his best to walk the straight and narrow path (his license plate reading “TRUSTGOD”). Kaluuya has mastered the American accent and is currently becoming a household name. His performance here is emotional, humorous and tragic.
Kaluuya and Turner-Smith carry each other well in this film.
The soundtrack and score are also high points. The score, composed by Devonte Hynes (a.k.a Blood Orange), is poignant and touching. The soundtrack, which comprises of both new and curated tracks, adds so much to the visuals. Matsoukas’ eye as a music video director really shines in this area most.
The supporting cast is also very good, with their individual stories being nearly as interesting as the two leads.
Lastly, this film plays with its tension in smooth efficiency. As the manhunt commences, every little moment fills with dread as you’re actively rooting for the titular duo to survive.
Rating: “This is a great movie but do you really want to watch it again? Okay let’s watch it one more time.”
