Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Queen & Slim

7

mouse77Dec 13, 2019

A little on the nose at times, but otherwise powerful and poetic. A hard movie to rate as its message is the focal point, and is hard to look away from.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

7

Bertaut1Feb 11, 2020

A powerful socio-political statement disguised as a road-movie

White police officers killing black men is something we've seen much of in recent years, and it's been represented in films such as Fruitvale Station (2013), The Hate U GiveA powerful socio-political statement disguised as a road-movie

White police officers killing black men is something we've seen much of in recent years, and it's been represented in films such as Fruitvale Station (2013), The Hate U Give (2018), and Widows (2018). And to that list you can now add Queen & Slim, albeit with an asterisk, because here, it's a black man killing a white police officer. But he does so only in self-defence. The film works well as a taut duo on the run story - à la They Live By (1950), Bonnie and Clyde (1967), Badlands (1973), and Thelma and Louise (1991). However, underneath the genre elements, it's really a socio-political commentary that attempts to Speak Truth to Power and is fundamentally of the moment. It also happens to be a very fine film, albeit a little too long and with some tonal inconsistencies.

Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) and Slim (Daniel Kaluuya) are returning from an unsuccessful first date when they are pulled over by Officer Reed (Sturgill Simpson). Unnecessarily threatening and belligerent from the start, when Reed orders Slim to the ground, Queen attempts to start recording and Reed shoots her in the leg. Slim then tackles Reed, gets his gun, and kills him. Slim wants to remain at the scene, but Queen points out that a black man has just shot a white cop with his own gun, and if they stay, the best they can hope for is prison. And so the duo find themselves on the lam, with Slim concocting a vague plan to head south from Ohio to Miami, and ultimately on to Cuba. Meanwhile, mostly without their knowledge, they become the symbol for and inspiration behind a nationwide protest movement against racially-motivated police violence.

Queen & Slim is written by Lena Waithe and directed by Melina Matsoukas, and looks at issues such as ethnic tension, systemic racism, unchecked police violence, communal anger, and both the importance and danger of protest movements. Importantly, however, it's not a piece of social realism. On their journey from Ohio to Miami, Queen and Slim encounter a litany of black characters, all of whom know who they are, all of whom approve of what they did and treat them like folk heroes (except a mechanic (Gralen Bryant Banks) who's unimpressed with their actions). This isn't done to suggest that black identity in the US is monolithic, rather it's to make an allegorical point; it's a reference to a "them and us" mentality, an allegorical sense which is heightened with references to slave catchers, chain gangs, and the Underground Railroad.

The other major theme is the notion of legacy, which is tied into the fact that Queen and Slim are symbols for a nationwide movement. The fact that they don't see themselves as symbols, doesn't matter to the people who mythologise them. When Slim kills Reed, he and Queen flee because they assume they won't get a fair trial in a country that sees race before all else. And this assumption is what forms the basis of the movement built in their name, with black people shown as exasperated by such treatment. In such a dangerously volatile milieu, Queen and Slim provide the spark that sets the tinderbox aflame.

Waithe's screenplay does a good job of telling us who Queen and Slim are from the get-go, taking only a few moments during the opening scene to set up many of the characteristics that will prove important later. And because the scene is a first date, the dialogue can introduce such getting-to-know-you material without it seeming expositionary or inorganic. The acting is also terrific by everyone.

There are some problems though. For example, the movie inexplicably uses voiceover on occasion. But not normal voiceover - two characters will start a normal conversation and then some of the dialogue is delivered via VO, only for the normal conversation to resume again. I honestly don't know what the point is, but it sure is distracting. Some scenes are also just too fanciful - such as the one where the duo stop so Slim can ride a horse and a bizarre scene with a gas station clerk, which (I think) is supposed to be comic relief. Another poorly conceived scene, sees Matsoukas cut to Slim's father (Thom Gossom Jr.) to show us that the police are monitoring his phone. It's an entirely unnecessary scene that breaks the rigidly maintained focalisation up to this point. The film also runs about 15 minutes too long, and in its final moments, it veers very close to melodrama.

These issues notwithstanding, however, this is a strong film that works on several levels. On the one hand, it's a decent duo-on-the-run story; on the other, it's a film tuned into the socio-political frequency of the times. A snapshot of a house divided against itself, it paints a bleak picture of a group that has been pushed and prodded to the point where combustion may be unavoidable. 31% of Americans believe that a race-related Civil War will happen within their lifetime. Queen & Slim suggests they might just be correct.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

7

JustfullmetalJan 4, 2020

This movie was alright. I thought the ending was pretty funny but other than that the soundtrack was pretty good.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

8

Rebecca07Dec 28, 2019

Pretty good movie, I enjoyed I climax of it especially as both lovers were escaping the authorities. The ending had me feeling deep frustration and sadness.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

8

Stream2BigScreeJan 28, 2020

Ride or Die with Queen and Slim

The Stream: Movie was about 20 minutes too long The Big Screen: Romantic, relevant, and great performances by the leading actors The Final Bill: A must see film that will be an instant classic for theRide or Die with Queen and Slim

The Stream: Movie was about 20 minutes too long

The Big Screen: Romantic, relevant, and great performances by the leading actors

The Final Bill: A must see film that will be an instant classic for the underlying messages and actors’ chemistry

-S2S

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! And on this joyous occasion of giving thanks and enjoying family and friends, we bring to you a review of Queen and Slim. This film can be described as two people’s first date lasting much longer than expected when a police officer pulls them over and the rest becomes a viral and cultural phenomenon. Let’s ride with Queen and Slim.

Ok, let’s get the few bad things out of the way. The movie drug on. I could see at least 15 to 20 minutes of the film that could have been edited to make the movie faster or flow a little better; however, I also could see the director saying the pacing was done on purpose at times. Regardless of that, there is at least one scene in particular that I think could be cut immediately and save the viewer 5 pointless minutes. Finally, you would have to suspend belief to make this movie work. In the time the movie lasts, current day technology makes this a virtual impossibility. There is no way this ride would last as long with the lack of hiding or planning that occurred.

Now, for the bevy of positives for Queen and Slim. First, this film is on point, both culturally and in terms of its relevance. From the music/soundtrack to cultural and political climate of our times, Queen and Slim strikes a poignant chord. The soundtrack in itself is so powerful. We ride with them, we cry with them, we get high with them. Few movies this year, I believe, can match or surpass the brilliance put into the film score and sound mixing. This movie would provide the soundtrack of the summer, if the movie came out in May.

Next, Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith gave us all of them in this film. Individually, you could feel the love and hurt from each character; however, together at times they were even better. Their chemistry on screen was palpable and truly drove this film. Neither may get the acclaim they deserve from the likes of the Oscars or Golden Globes, but I believe one or both is deserving of a nomination. Let’s not forget Uncle Earl. Bokeem Woodbine definitely hijacked a portion of this movie. I could see how snobbier sites wouldn’t appreciate, or think his portrayal was necessary or appropriate, but what he brought to this film was truly priceless. I know the audience I viewed this with agrees. One could also say that the writing by Lena Waithe and James Frey gave the cast excellence to work with.

Finally, the messages of this movie are quite powerful, and needed as well. I can’t say what they are without spoiling the movie, but in the political climate we live, this movie is right on point. Actually, this movie might be late and was needed much sooner. Yet, it’s never too late. This movie will spark conversation over the Thanksgiving tables but remember to keep it friendly.

Queen and Slim, while a different type of romantic dramedy, rivals and, I believe ultimately, will be associated with the likes of the Love and Basketball, Love Jones, and If Beale Street Could Talk. The performances in the movie and the conversation piece this movie will be makes it worth every dollar in the movie theater. Date night or not, this movie is a fresh box of popcorn.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

7

JordanLaytonApr 28, 2020

Went in blind and saw one of the most woke films about police violence and Black America I've seen in a while. Watched the trailer afterwards and don't let it fool you; after a bit of a bumpy start, the performances and cinematographyWent in blind and saw one of the most woke films about police violence and Black America I've seen in a while. Watched the trailer afterwards and don't let it fool you; after a bit of a bumpy start, the performances and cinematography hard-carry the somewhat weak script (dialogue felt a little manufactured at some points to me). Pleasantly surprised at this one.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

All this user's reviews

10

KnottbDec 15, 2019

Great acting! Movie highlights issues that still exist today as far as police brutality and the perspective of those aware of such issues.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

All this user's reviews

10

100TruebeautyDec 18, 2019

Very real issues in our society, good dramatic visuals and the acting is well played. Definitely worth watching!

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

All this user's reviews

6

tropicAcesNov 29, 2019

There’s more good than bad but there are some baffling creative choices throughout, resulting in unintentional laughs or frustrating conflicting messages.

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

All this user's reviews

6

TVJerryDec 4, 2019

Add this twosome to the classic outlaw duos like Thelma and Lousie and Bonnie and Clyde. When the movie starts, Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith play a black couple on a bad date. After he kills a cop in self-defense, they go on the run.Add this twosome to the classic outlaw duos like Thelma and Lousie and Bonnie and Clyde. When the movie starts, Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith play a black couple on a bad date. After he kills a cop in self-defense, they go on the run. During their plight, they garner the support of their community and even become a cause. Expectedly, they come to appreciate each other, as do we. There are flaws in the logic and the drama sometimes gets overwrought, but the script from Lena Waithe and the directorial debut from Melina Matsoukas combine to create a compelling new take on a classic narrative.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

All this user's reviews

9

MarkHReviewsDec 25, 2019

“Queen and Slim” will haunt you.

Unlike so many films that offer so little in the way of character development, “Queen and Slim” traces the main characters’ rapid evolution from awkward first meeting to trust and to, perhaps, a first“Queen and Slim” will haunt you.

Unlike so many films that offer so little in the way of character development, “Queen and Slim” traces the main characters’ rapid evolution from awkward first meeting to trust and to, perhaps, a first experience at love. Because the audience is welcomed into their inner lives, we care deeply about what happens to them. And what happens to these two characters is infuriating, heart-breaking and soul-crushing.

In Act One, Queen and Slim are on a first date. When a white cop pulls them over for failing to use a turn signal, the situation rapidly escalates. Queen is shot. Slim ultimately fights the officer and shoots him in self-defense. The balance of the story traces their flight from Cleveland through the South to a hoped-for escape by plane from South Florida to Cuba. During their journey, the couple evolves from sheer panic to a sketchy plan, to bold action and adventures, to eventual hope that it all may work out. It’s a harrowing journey in which the viewer is fully invested.

What ramps up the emotional intensity of “Queen and Slim” is its “ripped from the headlines” feel. I left the theater believing that it was a true story, only to discover from subsequent research that the creative team had used elements from many recent true events to craft the powerful, though fictitious, story line.

The two main actors are simply magnificent. As Slim, Daniel Kaluuya – who had a breakout role in “Get Out” and solidified his star appeal in “Black Panther” – is compelling as a black man committed to worshipping God, loving his family and following the rules. As Queen, Jodie Turner-Smith (“Jett,” “The Last Ship”) uses her physical presence and her character’s indomitable will to command viewers’ attention in every frame where she’s on the screen.

The film is rich in symbolism. Director Melina Matsoukas (“Insecure,” “Beyonce: Formation”) and Writer Lena Waithe (“The Chi,” “Master of None”) clearly intend for the two protagonists to represent the black experience. (To underline the point, their names aren’t revealed until the end of the film.) If you’ve seen “Harriet” recently, references to the Underground Railroad (in reverse) are pretty apparent.

This film may be even more important because of its contribution to a much broader conversation. Based on the movies that have come out over the past 2-3 years, it seems that black writers and directors are in conflict over the trajectory of the black experience with white authority, especially police. In “BlacKkKlansman” and “Black and Blue,” Spike Lee and Deon Taylor offer stories with a positive arc. On the other hand, “Sorry to Bother You” and “Blindspotting” offer searing indictments that are heavy on oppression, light on hope. The upcoming “Just Mercy” seems poised to weigh in as well.

Whatever the outcome of that debate, “Queen and Slim” must be included in this canon of important social commentary. It offers a powerful, compelling story that’s a sometimes uncomfortable, but essential, experience for everybody. It may be particularly instructive for white audiences, woke and un-woke.… Expand