Director: Melina Matsoukas
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith 

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When I first saw the trailer for Queen & Slim I thought it wasn’t going to be something that would interest me in the slightest; gun violence, police chases, and a culture I can’t relate to in any way. After watching it tonight I am angry at myself for the assumption that not knowing something about a topic makes it a write off. Even if you have no previous knowledge or understanding about gun laws and equal rights in the US you should go and see this film, actually especially if you know nothing about those things. 

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Queen & Slim tells the story of two young people reaching out to one another at a time when all they crave is companionship. On their first date in a run down diner they discuss their lives, families, beliefs and food preferences, like on any first date the atmosphere is slightly awkward yet charming.

Jodie Turner-Smiths’s character, Queen, makes it perfectly clear that the date was simply that, just dinner with no strings attached. On their way home the two are pulled over by a policeman for simply forgetting to indicate when changing lanes on an empty road. This encounter takes a turn for the worst when Slim is asked to step out of the vehicle by the policeman and one thing leads to another. In a bid of self defence Slim ends up shooting the policeman dead. 

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The two decide their best chances are to go on the run. 

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The film follows them on their journey in a beautiful homage to that of Bonnie and Clyde (1967). As they come across allies along the way and find moments where they are able to enjoy each others company and develop a loving, caring and truthful relationship for one another. 

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The performances from the entire cast are second to none. Passion oozes from this film and it is brutally clear that it comes from the heart with evidence of past experiences from the writer Lena Waithe apparent. In an interview Waithe has admitted to having no trouble finding a studio to get this film made, it is apparent that this film has a time and place and that is here and now. 

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Daniel Kaluuya is an actor I am thoroughly fascinated by, he has the ability to project realism into every performance and with that allows the audience to understand exactly what it is he’s going through in every single scene. Queen & Slim is no exception. 

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I hadn’t heard of Jodie Turner-Smith until this film, taking on this role in her first acting performance must have been undeniably terrifying, it holds such importance to so many people and she carried it off with pure grace and intelligence.

The film is quick paced and intense. The intensity is in places it needs to be and when it’s not needed a smooth, calm approach is taken. With stunning landscape shots of the southern states of America and a compelling soundtrack to match, it really is a visual masterpiece. 

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Cinema has the power to move us, to enlighten us, to provide us with much needed escapism but above all it has the infinite power to educate us. Queen & Slim educated me on something I didn’t think I needed to know about because it doesn’t effect me. White privilege coming into play, yet again. I have a lot to learn and I know that now. 

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Congratulations to everyone involved. Queen & Slim is an absolute must see.