December 28, 2025

If I Go, Will They Miss Me? A Sundance Film That Asks the Question We All Fear

At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, one of the most talked-about premieres in the NEXT section was If I Go Will They Miss Me, an evocative new drama from writer-director Walter Thompson-Hernández. With its world premiere in Park City on January 24, the film quickly emerged as a standout for audiences hungry for deeply human storytelling.

The narrative centers on Lil Ant—a twelve-year-old boy struggling to connect with his father while experiencing surreal, almost spectral visions of boys drifting through his Watts neighborhood. These visions serve as a lyrical metaphor for memory, loss, and the invisible ways family shapes identity.

At the heart of the film are compelling performances that anchor its emotional core. J. Alphonse Nicholson, as Lil Ant, delivers a breakout turn filled with earnest vulnerability and quiet strength. His portrayal captures the confusing swirl of childhood wonder, fear, and yearning, making the character’s internal world palpable in every scene. This performance not only showcases Nicholson’s burgeoning talent but also gives the film its emotional heartbeat.

Opposite him, Danielle Brooks—known for her powerful work in Orange Is the New Black and more recently in The Color Purple—brings depth and nuance to her role as Lozita, a figure of resilience and compassion. Brooks imbues every moment with layered emotion, transitioning from tender vulnerability to fierce protectiveness as the story unfolds. Her ability to convey so much with just a glance or a breath elevates the film’s familial themes.

The supporting cast, including Bodhi Dell, Myles Bullock, and Bre-Z, enrich the film with grounded performances that feel lived-in and authentic. Together, the ensemble crafts a tapestry of voices that make this community feel real and immediately felt.

Beyond its performances, If I Go Will They Miss Me resonates because it blends realism with magical realism in a way that feels both fresh and timeless. Its exploration of connection, loss, and belonging has struck a chord with festival audiences, marking it as one of Sundance’s most memorable discoveries this year.

May 18, 2025

Flames of Reckoning: The Nottoway Plantation Fire and the Spirits of the Past

In the early morning of May 16th, 2025, the historic Nottoway Plantation—often called the “White Castle of Louisiana”—was consumed by fire. For some, it was a tragic loss of a landmark steeped in Southern architecture and grandeur. But for many others, it was something more: a long-awaited reckoning.

Built in 1859, Nottoway Plantation stands as a reminder of the antebellum South—its elegance built on the brutal labor and suffering of enslaved African people. Generations were born, worked, and died within its shadow. Their voices were long silenced in the official histories that praised Nottoway’s opulence but overlooked the human cost of its splendor.

But as flames tore through the grand structure, something otherworldly reportedly emerged.

The Spirits in the Fire

In the hours after the fire, photos began to circulate online—many taken by bystanders and local photographers. At first glance, they seemed like typical images of destruction: fire, smoke, charred remains. But upon closer inspection, eerie shapes appeared in the swirling smoke and glowing embers. Figures. Faces. Eyes watching from the blaze.

Some saw women in headwraps. Others saw children holding hands. Many swore they saw the faint silhouette of a man standing tall at the edge of the flames, eyes locked onto the ruins of the big house. These were not tricks of light, some believe—but the spirits of the enslaved, finally emerging to witness the fall of the institution that imprisoned them.

Paranormal researchers and spiritualists were quick to weigh in. The land around the plantation, they argued, had long been thick with ancestral energy—energy that had been suppressed, ignored, and disrespected by the plantation’s transformation into a wedding venue and tourist attraction. Some locals claim they’d felt an unrest brewing for years, as if something ancient was waiting.

Ancestral Forces Awakened

In African spiritual traditions, ancestors are not distant memories. They are ever-present forces, watching, guiding, and—when disrespected—warning. The fire, many believe, was not simply an accident or coincidence. It was ancestral intervention. A fire of cleansing. A spiritual statement.

“When the living forget the suffering of the dead,” one local elder was quoted as saying, “the ancestors find a way to remind us.”

It is a powerful notion—that the spirits of the enslaved, silenced in life, chose this moment to rise in flame and shadow. To speak, at last, through fire.

A Reckoning in the Ashes

As investigators continue to examine the cause of the fire, another story burns beneath the surface: a spiritual narrative of justice, memory, and reclamation.

For those who see more than just smoke, the Nottoway fire is a signal. A haunting reminder that the past is never dead. That the spirits of the oppressed never sleep. And that, one way or another, truth always finds a way to rise.

April 22, 2025

Stranger Inside: A Groundbreaking HBO Film That Still Resonates Today

In 2001, HBO released Stranger Inside, a powerful and unflinching drama that pushed the boundaries of what television was ready to explore at the time. Directed by Cheryl Dunye, the film dives into the lives of incarcerated Black women, centering on the emotional journey of a young woman seeking a connection with the mother she never knew—only to find her in prison. Over two decades later, Stranger Inside still stands out not just as a compelling narrative, but as a pivotal moment in Black, queer, and feminist storytelling on screen.

A Bold Story, Honestly Told

At the heart of Stranger Inside is Treasure Lee (played by Yolonda Ross in a gripping performance), a young woman transferred to an adult women’s prison to reconnect with her mother, Brownie (Davenia McFadden). What unfolds is more than a mother-daughter reunion; it’s a complex, layered exploration of identity, survival, power, and love within the carceral system. The story doesn’t flinch away from the raw, often brutal reality of prison life. It’s emotional, physical, and psychological terrain is handled with a rare honesty, grounded in the lived experiences of real women behind bars.

What makes Stranger Inside even more significant is that many of the cast and consultants were formerly incarcerated women. This added a level of authenticity that’s rarely seen, especially in early 2000s media. Cheryl Dunye’s decision to root the narrative in real voices made the film more than just entertainment—it became an act of representation and truth-telling.

The Impact on Its Audience

When it premiered, Stranger Inside resonated deeply with viewers who had never seen stories like this told with such nuance and empathy. For Black women, queer viewers, and those with lived experiences in or around the prison system, the film was groundbreaking. It showed them on screen in a way that wasn’t exploitative or caricatured, but complex and human.

For others, the film was a wake-up call—an invitation to understand the prison-industrial complex through a lens rarely offered by mainstream media. It challenged audiences to confront how race, gender, sexuality, and systemic injustice intersect inside prison walls and beyond them.

Why Stories Like This Still Matter

In a media landscape often saturated with depictions of crime and punishment that dehumanize or oversimplify, Stranger Inside is a reminder of what powerful, inclusive storytelling can do. It doesn’t just entertain—it educates, empowers, and sparks dialogue.

Stories like this are essential because they center voices that are often silenced or ignored. They force us to look beyond statistics and stereotypes and to see the individuals—their hopes, pain, resilience, and love. They encourage empathy in a world that desperately needs it.

In 2025, with ongoing conversations about prison reform, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights, Stranger Inside feels just as relevant, if not more so. It’s a film that dared to speak truth at a time when very few others did—and its echo is still being felt.

Final Thoughts

Stranger Inside isn’t just a movie—it’s a mirror held up to a system, and a window into lives too often overlooked. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth seeking out not just as a piece of cinematic history, but as a call to continue listening, learning, and amplifying the voices of those who live in the margins.

Because stories like this don’t just matter—they change us.

April 21, 2025

Sinners: A Haunting Masterpiece That Redefines Horror and History

Ryan Coogler’s latest film, Sinners, has captivated audiences and critics alike, marking a significant milestone in contemporary cinema. Blending Southern Gothic horror with profound historical themes, the film offers a haunting exploration of the Black American experience.

A Cinematic Triumph

Released during Easter weekend, Sinners surpassed expectations by grossing $48 million domestically and $63.5 million worldwide, overtaking A Minecraft Movie at the box office. Notably, it earned a rare A CinemaScore—the first horror film to do so in over 35 years—signaling strong audience approval .

The film’s success is further amplified by its release in premium formats like IMAX, which accounted for 20% of domestic revenue—a record for a horror film .

A Deeply Personal Narrative

Set in 1930s Mississippi, Sinners follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both portrayed by Michael B. Jordan), who return home to open a juke joint with stolen money. Their venture attracts supernatural attention from vampires, serving as a metaphor for the systemic oppression faced by Black Americans during the Jim Crow era .

Coogler drew inspiration from his own family history and the broader context of the Great Migration, aiming to depict the resilience and joy of Black communities amidst adversity .

Stellar Performances

Michael B. Jordan delivers a compelling dual performance as Smoke and Stack, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor. His portrayal has been lauded as one of his most powerful to date .

The supporting cast, including Hailee Steinfeld, Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Li Jun Li, contribute to the film’s rich tapestry of characters, each bringing authenticity and nuance to their roles .

Exploring Themes and Influences

Sinners delves into themes of racial violence, cultural appropriation, and the dichotomy between spiritual salvation and secular expression. The film uses vampiric elements to symbolize the exploitation and erasure of Black culture, particularly in music.

Coogler’s influences range from classic horror to personal experiences, aiming to create a genre-fluid narrative that resonates on multiple levels .

Audience and Critical Reception

Critics have praised Sinners for its bold storytelling and thematic depth. Stephanie Zacharek of TIME described a pivotal scene as elevating her soul to a new plane of existence . However, some critiques point to underdeveloped elements, such as the supernatural abilities of the character Sammie, which are introduced but not fully explored .

Audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with discussions highlighting the film’s unique blend of horror and historical commentary .

Conclusion

Sinners stands as a testament to Ryan Coogler’s visionary storytelling and Michael B. Jordan’s dynamic performance. By intertwining horror with historical realities, the film offers a poignant reflection on the Black American experience, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers.

April 13, 2025

The Wayans Family: A Legacy of Laughter and Cultural Impact in Entertainment

Few families have left as profound and lasting a mark on the entertainment industry as the Wayans family. With their signature blend of humor, social commentary, and trailblazing creativity, the Wayans have carved out a dynasty that spans decades, reshaping the landscape of comedy and paving the way for generations of diverse talent.

Humble Beginnings: The Birth of a Comedy Empire

The roots of the Wayans legacy trace back to the New York City neighborhood of Harlem, where Howell and Elvira Wayans raised ten children in a tight-knit, hardworking household. Despite growing up in modest circumstances, the Wayans siblings used humor as a survival tool—and eventually, a springboard into Hollywood.

The first to break into the industry was Keenen Ivory Wayans, who gained attention in the 1980s as a stand-up comic and writer. His 1987 film Hollywood Shuffle (co-written with Robert Townsend) critiqued the limited and stereotypical roles available to Black actors, foreshadowing the family’s trademark approach to blending comedy with cultural critique.

“In Living Color”: A Cultural Phenomenon

Keenen’s career took a seismic turn in 1990 with the launch of In Living Color, the groundbreaking sketch comedy show he created, produced, and starred in. Airing on Fox, In Living Color broke barriers as a platform that showcased Black comedians, dancers, and musicians—many of whom were largely underrepresented on mainstream television at the time.

The show introduced the world to future icons like Jim Carrey, Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Foxx, and of course, many members of the Wayans clan including Damon Wayans, Kim Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Marlon Wayans.

In Living Color wasn’t just funny—it was bold, political, and often controversial. Its sketches tackled issues like racism, police brutality, and poverty with an unapologetically satirical edge. The show earned multiple Emmy Awards and remains a cultural touchstone for sketch comedy fans.

Film and Franchise Success

After In Living Color, the Wayans family continued their domination through film. Keenen, Damon, Shawn, and Marlon teamed up for a series of successful movies that solidified their comedic legacy.

Some highlights include:

I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988): Keenen’s parody of blaxploitation films.
Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood (1996): A sharp satire of ’90s hood dramas.
Scary Movie (2000): A massive hit written by Shawn and Marlon, and directed by Keenen, it spoofed horror films and spawned a successful franchise.
White Chicks (2004): A wildly popular (and polarizing) comedy that became a cult favorite.
Little Man (2006) and Dance Flick (2009): More entries that showcase the family’s signature outrageous humor.

Beyond Comedy: Drama, Business, and Generational Growth

While best known for comedy, members of the Wayans family have shown versatility across genres. Damon Wayans Sr. has taken on dramatic roles and led the hit sitcom My Wife and Kids, while Marlon Wayans has branched into drama (Respect, Bel-Air) and horror (The Curse of Bridge Hollow), proving he’s more than just a comedic actor.

A new generation of Wayans talent is also emerging. Damon Wayans Jr., for example, has starred in Happy Endings and New Girl, while other younger Wayans are working behind the scenes as writers, producers, and directors.

The Wayans Impact: Representation, Risk-Taking, and Resilience

The true legacy of the Wayans family isn’t just measured in box office numbers or TV ratings—it’s in their commitment to representation, their ability to take creative risks, and their enduring relevance. At a time when Hollywood offered limited opportunities for Black artists, the Wayans used comedy to critique, disrupt, and inspire.

Their success also helped normalize Black-led productions and showed that Black creatives could not only entertain but drive trends, shape culture, and build empires.

Final Thoughts

The Wayans family’s history is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the power of laughter to spark change. From Harlem’s humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom, they’ve created an indelible legacy in entertainment—one sketch, one laugh, and one fearless project at a time.