In a powerful move that showcases the epitome of racism in today’s society, “Queen & Slim” shows you they are more than the black “Bonnie and Clyde.”
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Directing her first feature film, Melina Matsoukas (Netflix’s “Master of None” and Beyoncé’s “Formation”) has teamed up with Emmy-winning writer Lena Waithe (also Master of None and “Ready Player One”) to produce a couples first date that ends up in the death of a police officer and them on the run.
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The story follows Daniel Kaluuya (“Get Out” and “Black Panther”) and Jodie Turner-Smith (“Nightflyers”) as they are pulled over by the police for a minor traffic incident.
Speaking back at the 25th annual Essence Festival during a Q&A, Waithe spoke about why she wrote the film and its link to racism in today’s society. “I wanted to give voice to all the nameless, faceless men and women of color whose lives were taken unjustly and who didn’t make it home. I actually refer to them as fallen soldiers, but unfortunately, they were fighting a war they didn’t know they were in.”
Matsoukas also spoke at the same Q&A, giving incite as to why she created this story, “It sounds naive, but I always say I make films to change the world. I can do that by giving a voice to the unheard and telling their stories.”
The film intends to put a direct spotlight on the issue of racism and equality, something which Waithe and Matsoukas are both battling for. Waithe said to finish off the Q&A, “We need to become the gatekeepers.” She also said, “It’s up to us what we do with that success… it’s about how can I use this to crack open the door for so many more of us to come through.”
Here is the synopsis:
While on a forgettable first date together in Ohio, a black man and a black woman, are pulled over for a minor traffic infraction. The situation escalates, with sudden and tragic results, when the man kills the police officer in self-defense. Terrified and in fear for their lives, the man, a retail employee, and the woman, a criminal defense lawyer, are forced to go on the run. But the incident is captured on video and goes viral, and the couple unwittingly become a symbol of trauma, terror, grief, and pain for people across the country. As they drive, these two unlikely fugitives will discover themselves and each other in the most dire and desperate of circumstances, and will forge a deep and powerful love that will reveal their shared humanity and shape the rest of their lives.
The film comes to theaters November 27th, watch the new trailer below.
