I’m always leary of films that say, “From the producer of…”. This isn’t because I think producers are worthless but they’re rarely the creative vision behind a project. Just because you helped produce another hit or two, doesn’t mean that lightning will strike again with a different creative team. So when Antebellum marketed itself as “From the producer of Get Out and Us”, I was sketchy on the deal. After all, I liked both those films but the credit for them is generally given to Jordan Peele as the writer and director.
Still a dual reality story dealing with slavery in the south in and around the United States Civil War and one dealing with modern day racism sounded intriguing. So despite my skepticism over its marketing claims, I decided it was worth a watch. And it was certainly that.
It should be noted that this film is likely a huge trigger for many people right now. After a spring and summer of unrest due to continued injustices by law enforcement on black people, a film highlighting the brutal reality of what slavery was here in America, is maybe one that there is limited appetite for. And potentially even less so when the film finally reveals what is going on.
The setup is that Eden (Janelle Monae), is the slave to a Confederate General on a plantation somewhere near the front line of the war. And she is attempting to bide her time so as to be able to escape from the hell that she is enduring. Alternately, in modern times, we get Veronika (also Janelle Monae) who is a prominent doctor and activist that writes about and makes appearances discussing racial inequities while we see her suffering casual and overt racism. There is a link between the two that will eventually be revealed as the horrors of the past become the horrors of the present. It’s mostly done well and Monae carries the film on her back when it stumbles in a couple spots.
The messaging isn’t subtle but as I’ve said with other recent films where the messaging is basically spelled out in neon for the viewer, some people need that. You shouldn’t need a film showcasing the horrors of slavery to also point out that horrid racist behavior is still being carried out today but well, there are people that just deny its existence so…
Ultimately, I think Antebellum lands as a solid horror film. But it’s also one I don’t ever want to experience again.
3*
About Author
