CogNegro's Take: Phrases such as "must see" and "groundbreaking" are used in such a superfluous manner when it comes to promoting a film, especially during Oscar season! However, Melina Matsoukas theatrical debut warrants such declarations. Queen and Slim is embedded with poignant relevance and perfectly encapsulates the political and social complexities of being “Black in America” without being derivative or cliched. It pulsates with authenticity, throughout its entire run, and deftly balances a myriad of moods. Not once did I feel jarred or misplaced by the shifting of contextual tones or peeved by the diverse narrative perspectives.The soundtrack enhances each scene, with acute subtly, and the cinematography captures our country’s flawed beauty through pristine shots.Its subject matter will prove to be divisive, but that is usually a tell tale sign that we have just experienced what is perhaps one of the most important films this past decade! -CgN (A+)
