Newell Todd (NBC Universal)
- During the June 23 BET Awards, Lena Waithe premiered the first trailer for her new film, Queen & Slim.
- It’s being called the “Black Bonnie and Clyde,” and is one of the most anticipated films of 2019.
- It premieres ahead of Thanksgiving on November 27, 2019.
Everybody ready for the modern day “Black Bonnie and Clyde?” Because we are.
During June 23’s BET Awards ceremony, screenwriter Lena Waithe took the stage to officially reveal the trailer of her anticipated new film, Queen & Slim, which she wrote based off inspiration from an original idea by writer James Frey.
As Waithe told Complex, the film is Bonnie & Clyde meets Thelma & Louis meets Set It Off, with the latter being a nod to the storyline’s focus on the ways Black people overcome the daily setbacks life throws their way. Waithe also chose director Melina Matsoukas to helm the project, having initially worked with her on their Emmy-winning episode of Netflix’s Master of None, “Thanksgiving.” It’s the first movie for both artists.
“When it came time to write my first feature, I wanted to explore a world where getting pulled over by the police is like playing Russian roulette, and your only weapon against injustice is your ability to never let go of who you are,” Waithe said at the BET Awards. “I knew I needed other visionary artists to help tell this story and I couldn’t think of a more fitting one than the visionary director Melina Matsoukas.”
Matsoukas, who has also worked on HBO’s Insecure and directed music videos for Beyoncé, chimed in.
“Bringing this film to life was challenging. It was a story I knew was necessary to tell. It’s a story of resistance and a story in which we are never victims and most importantly, a story about the strength of Black love. We set out to create a film that shows our unity as Black people, our love, is our greatest weapon against oppression. It’s our power,” she said.
So, all that sounds beautiful, no doubt, and we can tell that Get Out alumn Daniel Kaluuya and Hollywood newcomer Jodie Turner-Smith are going to kill it in these roles. But what is Queen & Slim even about? And when can we catch it in theaters? Luckily enough, we have the answers for you right here.
When does Queen & Slim premiere?
Universal Pictures has confirmed that Queen & Slim will be premiering right before Thanksgiving this year, on Wednesday, November 27, 2019.
So before you polish off that plate of turkey, mac and cheese, and collared greens with your loved ones, head on over to the movie theatre.
Is there a trailer, yet?
As mentioned above, yes, the movies does have a trailer, and the one minute and 30 second clip is enough to give us all the chills. (The good kind.) Check it out below.
Even from the brief clip, we can tell that the soundtrack will be on. point. You may recognize the Bee Gee’s 1977 hit, “Staying Alive” right before The Pharcyde’s
“Runnin'” begins at the 1:16 mark.
What will Queen & Slim be about?
After meeting up for dinner on their first date, a young couple is continuing their evening when a policeman pulls them over in the middle of the night for a minor traffic infraction. Despite the low severity level of their situation, the cop becomes aggressive and threatening as he points his gun at the pair. That’s when, in self defense, Kaluuya’s character takes the gun and fatally shoots the officer in self-defense.
The two flee the scene and go on the run, setting out on a cross-country road trip—and falling in love in the process. But despite their fugitive status, a clip of the killing goes viral, amplifying their faces across the country.
Intense? Definitely. A little too close to home for Black people in America? Yes. Are we gonna watch it ASAP? Of course.
Who’s in the cast?
Get Out and Black Panther‘s Daniel Kaluuya plays the main male protagonist, while Hollywood newcomer Jodie Turner-Smith is the female lead. (According to IMDB, she only has a few credits to her name). And fun fact? Both actors hail from the U.K.
“On the way back from Comic-Con for Black Panther, I read it, and I was like, ‘I want it. I want to play Slim.’ He just feels like an everyman. He feels like a guy that wants to do good, but things happen. Standing up for yourself is dangerous sport,” Kaluuya told Shadow and Act of taking on the part.
Turner-Smith was also instantly drawn to her character, she explained to the publication.
Newell Todd (NBC Universal)
“When I read it, and I read the character, I was like this is really interesting and complex,” she said. “Queen is a woman who’s in a lot of pain, which I thought was so compelling.”
Other cast members include Chloë Sevigny, Bokeem Woodbine, and Pose‘s Indya Moore.
How is Twitter reacting?
It’s safe to say that Queen & Slim‘s BET Awards trailer drop was met with overwhelmingly positive reception, with fans taking to Twitter to show their excitement.
“queen & slim looks spectacular and i cannot wait to watch this film. jodie turner smith and daniel thee kaluuya are so f*****g stunning,” said one user.
“I can’t wait until Queen & Slim. I’m here for it,” said another.
And of course, they made use of some hilarious GIFs.
And honestly? Same. Until November, we’ll have this trailer on repeat.
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