With a stellar writer and director attached to its name and a glowingly-received and sold-out reception at the Toronto International Film Festival (apparently one of the runners-up of the coveted Audience Award), “If Beale Street Could Talk” is poised for further awards-season acclaim. The film is based on the novel of the same name by James Baldwin and directed by Barry Jenkins who is fresh off the Oscar stage and, it seems, ready to step right back on.
READ MORE: ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’: Barry Jenkins’ Latest Drama Is Marvelous [TIFF Review]
Jenkins became a household name after his film “Moonlight,” took home three Oscars and a Golden Globe in 2017. ‘Beale Street’’ will be his third film, focusing on the struggles and everyday lives of African Americans like “Moonlight” before. The film is based on Baldwin’s 1974 masterpiece and from the reviews, it’s safe to say it sticks close to the story. In some cases, the dialogue and narration are taken directly from the pages of the book; respect must be given to Jenkins for that, considering the genius that is James Baldwin’s words already. Baldwin is known as one of the great writers of the mid-20th century, providing both fiction and essays on the social, personal, and psychological troubles of African Americans throughout the decades.
READ MORE: 2018 Toronto International Film Festival: The Good, The Great, & Only A Little Ugly
Starring Kiki Layne as Tish and Stephan James as Fonny, ‘Beale Street’’ tells the tale of two young lovers facing the odds as Fonny is falsely imprisoned and a pregnant Tish fights for his freedom. James is a Canadian actor best known for his award-winning depiction of Jesse Owens in 2016’s “Race.” Layne, however, will make her feature-length debut in ‘Beale Street.’ But, with a role in Suzan-Lori Parks’ adaption of “Native Son” already up next for the actress, it looks like Kiki Layne will be a name to watch out for in the future.
READ MORE: Barry Jenkins Recalls Being Called A Racial Slur During ‘Moonlight’ Awards Season
Featuring Colman Domingo, Teyonah Parris, Michael Beach, Dave Franco, Diego Luna,Pedro Pascal, Ed Skrein, Brian Tyree Henry, and Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk” will hit theaters November 30 via Annapurna Pictures. Check out the new trailer below.
