What an unexpected surprise! When I saw I Am Not Your Negro in 2016, I was left wanting more from the mind of James Baldwin. Thanks to director Barry Jenkins, my wish came true.  If Beale Street Could Talk is a powerful film that was shot beautifully. Each frame was vibrant and poetic. It’s been so long since I’ve seen Black love portrayed on-screen with such gravitas.

Starring Kiki Layne (Tish), Stephan James (Fonny), Regina King, Colman Domingo, and Teyonah Parris. Tish and Fonny are a young couple maneuvering the streets of Harlem in the 1970’s. One day, Fonny is accused of rape and things spiral out of control for their families when he is arrested. Tish has to find a way to cope with the hardship of bringing a child into the world. Kiki Layne and Stephan James were magnetic!

The way they interacted with each other was almost magical. Both of them so innocent and optimistic about building a life together. I was so immersed in the score of the film. It really drove the emotions home. The monologues in this movie were just stellar. Regina King had the most passionate dialogue scenes. You just have to see it! If Beale Street Could Talk gets a 8.5 out of 10.