Queen & Slim (2019)

Directed by Melina Matsoukas. Starring Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Benito Martinez, Galen Bryant Banks, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Sturgill Simpson, Dickson Obrahor, Indya Moore, Flea, Chloë Sevigny, Thom Gossom Jr. [R]

Following an unsuccessful Tinder date, Clevelanders “Queen” (Turner-Smith) and “Slim” (Kaluuya), who go unnamed until the very end, defend themselves from an antagonistic police officer who pulled them over for a “routine” traffic stop, leaving him dead on the side of the road. They head south, first to Queen’s cousin’s place in New Orleans, and then to Florida with the plan being to high-tail it for Cuba; a nationwide manhunt and media fame/infamy follow. Unusually thoughtful and provocative fugitives-on-the-run picture (not at all like a “black Bonnie and Clyde,” as they’re described at one point), forgoes urgency and easy suspense tactics for a pace that breathes, soaked in the aromatic and boldly-colored atmosphere, the unconventional but fierce connection that grows between the runaways, and the soul-scarred cry of anguish emanating from an entire race in America. Better-known for music video work, Matsoukas’ film debut is gorgeously photographed, and encourages subtle, delicately-framed independence out of both Kaluuya and Turner-Smith, which only makes their gradually-deepening bond more powerful. The strain for effect, however, is noticeable at times, and even poorly conceptualized—intercutting shots of black protests with the leads consummating their relationship is an especially clumsy juxtaposition. Devonté Hynes provides the stimulating musical score.

80/100